Pasig River rehabilitation plan underway —DHSUD

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Wednesday said that a resettlement plan is already being formed for the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the project includes developing a 25-hectare property in the area and the rehabilitation of the Pasig River.

“Dito po sa bagong programa po ng Pasig River, kumpleto po yan. Di lang po pabahay, at di lang din yung mga estero. Kinumpleto po namin kasi di pwede yung gagawin mo isa-isa lang eh, magkakarugtong yung buhay ng Pasig River,” said Acuzar in a public briefing.

The DHSUD also revealed plans for a commercial promenade deck along the river, a Central Park near Laguna de Bay, and outpost projects near the North Harbor.

The DHSUD has also partnered with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for approvals and recommendations on the maintenance of the Pasig River’s artistic and historical value.

“Hindi pwedeng puro development lang. Kailangan intindihin din natin yung history, intindihin din ang arts and culture kung saan nanggaling po ang Pasig,” Acuzar said.

An Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development was formed on July 25 through Executive Order (EO) No. 35.

The EO stated that the inter-agency council would be responsible for facilitating and ensuring the full rehabilitation of the banks along the Pasig River water system and nearby water systems. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VAL, GMA Integrated News