The Pasig River Urban Development Project marks a significant chapter in the urban transformation of Metro Manila, promising a blend of economic rejuvenation, tourism enhancement, and improved transportation connectivity. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos recently inaugurated a 500-meter showcase area near the Manila Central Post Office building, setting the stage for this ambitious vision.
This newly inaugurated section, destined to become a vibrant public park, features a pedestrian-friendly walkway on a concrete platform, embellished with a water fountain, ambient lighting, and sitting areas. Notably, it includes a transition bridge beneath the Jones Bridge, linking the major water channels of Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay. This initiative is a significant stride towards transforming the Pasig River into a pivotal hub akin to iconic waterways like London’s River Thames or Paris’ Seine.
President Marcos emphasized the profound nature of this transformation, aiming for a comprehensive revitalization that reaches “to the very bottom” of the river. This involves extensive cleanup efforts, addressing pollution sources upstream to prevent waste from funneling into the Pasig River through sewer-like waterways.
The showcase area is just a segment of a broader multi-agency urban renewal endeavor led by the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD), under the guidance of DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Azucar. Plans are in place to enrich the 26-kilometer stretch of the river with recreational and wellness amenities, including public parks and jogging and bike paths.
Adding to the excitement, renowned landscape architect Paulo Alcanzaren, celebrated for his work on the 9km Iloilo Esplanade, has joined forces with Architect William Ti of WTA Architects for the overall master planning of the Pasig River Urban Development Plan. Their collaboration promises innovative solutions and a wealth of experience in urban renewal.
This project aligns with Executive Order 35, aiming to uplift the quality of life for communities along the Pasig River. It also addresses the needs of approximately 10,000 informal settler families, who will be relocated to housing projects at BASECO and the river’s mouth at Laguna de Bay, as part of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program.
While challenges lie ahead, considering the project spans five LGU jurisdictions compared to Iloilo’s single jurisdiction, the commitment of architects Ti and Alcanzaren, along with a multidisciplinary team, holds the promise of a transformative and sustainable urban renaissance along the Pasig River.