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Marcos leads inauguration of 3rd phase of Pasig River rehab project
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he is encouraged with the ongoing rehabilitation of the Pasig River as the project overseen by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos enters its 3rd phase.
According to a statement on Thursday, Marcos led the inauguration of the 3rd phase at the Plaza Mexico, Riverside Drive in Intramuros.
The President said he was “really surprised and happy to know” that the Pasig River Esplanade has become a popular place for visitors as the “simple yet difficult” mission of bringing back the Pasig River to its old glory continues.
With First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos overseeing the rehabilitation project, he noted the importance of the Pasig River to the identity of Filipinos.
“This river has served Manila as a lifeblood long before our generation was conceived. It has played the role in our nation’s history in terms of commerce, in terms of transportation, as source of food and water,” said Marcos in his speech during the launching event.
“If one will read Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Jose Rizal depicted a Pasig River that was vibrant, full of life… because in its waters, we see reflections of our dreams and our history, and at times, we have to admit, our share of neglect. But we are changing that,” he added.
The next stage will also include the production of an amphitheater, ornamental landscaping, and a 16-meter by 240-meter walkway for pedestrians and cyclists at the Maestranza boardwalk.
“This will create a safer, more beautiful, and expansive area for public events, for gatherings, for leisurely walks. More than a development project, it symbolizes unity— honoring our past while embracing progress,” the President said.
“With the launching of Phase 3 of the Pasig River Urban Development Project, I am certain more stories and core memories will be witnessed by this place. I am thrilled to see the social and economic development of a fully revitalized Pasig River and what it will mean for Metro Manila once again. Our mission is simple but it is difficult: to bring back the river to its pristine state [and] make it a vibrant waterway once again for life, for culture, and for mobility,” he added.
In his report in 24 Oras, Raffy Tima said the Pasig Biglang Buhay Muli (PBBM) project spearheaded by the Department of Urban Housing Development recognizes the potential of what has been a neglected aspect of the Philippines' capital city.
To speed up the process, the First Couple themselves are directly involved in the project that also connects Fort Santiago with the back portion of the Manila Post Office.
The inauguration was also attended by senior members of the cabinet, city officials, the Chinese ambassador and representatives from Manila's business community. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News
