Pasig River rehab’s third phase unveiled today

MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos administration will launch today the third phase of the P18-billion “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli” project, which aims to revive the Pasig River while generating economic opportunities for local communities.  

The third phase of the 25-kilometer project covers the 305-meter Fort Santiago Riverwalk, which will connect the historic Fort Santiago and the Pasig River Esplanade.

“Plaza Mexico, Maestranza Esplanade and the Fort Santiago Riverwalk are coming to life, ready to welcome everyone with open arms,” First Lady Liza Marcos said in an Instagram post earlier this month.

“Mark your calendars – Feb. 17! Let’s gather together, take a stroll and fall in love with the Pasig River all over again,” she added. 

The rehabilitation project, which was inaugurated in January last year, hopes to turn the Pasig River into a showcase such as the Chao Phraya River in Thailand and Seine in France.

It is also seen to promote transport connectivity in Metro Manila and to help ease traffic congestion by promoting water transportation through the Pasig River ferry system.

The project is supported by donations and has given rise to mixed-use establishments along the riverbanks from Manila to Pasig.

Phases 1A and 1B were inaugurated in January last year. The initial phases covered the project’s showcase area, which spans almost 500 meters behind the Manila Central Post Office building.

The second phase, which was launched in June 2024, covered the Pasig River Urban Development Showcase Area Phase 1C in Plaza Mexico, Magallanes Drive in Intramuros.

The structure connected the showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office to Intramuros.

Other highlights of the second phase include the tiendas or stores that provide livelihood to residents.

The Pasig River urban development project was implemented through Executive Order No. 35, which was signed by President Marcos in 2023.

The order called for the rehabilitation of the river to a pristine condition conducive to transport, recreation and tourism.

An Inter-Agency Council was created for the Pasig River Urban Development led by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

During the World Government Summit in Dubai last week, Marcos expressed hope that the Pasig River improvements would be completed in time for the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit next year.