The Pasig River Redux
In January of this year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial opening of the “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli: Pasig River Urban Development Showcase Area” as part of his administration’s efforts to bring back the old glory of the Pasig River, or Ilog Pasig.
The Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) project, under the guidance of First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos, envisions the Pasig River to become a “living river” of many benefits, with safe walkways along its banks, as well as more greenery and parks for the nearby communities that dot its 25-kilometer length.
It will also include sustainably run commercial enterprises as well as civic spaces where children can play and families can relax; also where artists and performers can showcase their works or talents.
President Marcos said back then that the project does not only aim to look back at the historical significance of the Ilog Pasig, but to also focus on its transformation as a waterway.
Just recently, the President and the First Lady inaugurated Phase 1C of the Pasig River Urban Development Showcase Area at Plaza Mexico, Magallanes Drive in the old walled city of Intramuros, Manila.
This is proof that this project is not something that has fallen into the typical Pinoy “ningas-kugon” trait, but is something that is intended to be carried on with much enthusiasm into the months and years to come, with the President and the First Lady at the helm.
For those not in the know, “ningas-kugon” is a Filipino cultural trait that refers to the tendency to start something with great enthusiasm, but then quickly lose interest or fail to follow through. Definitely that is something that you would not find here, especially with Secretary Jerry Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) as the chairman of the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development.
Phase 1C, this new attraction, is a one-story structure with a roof deck along the Ilog Pasig, featuring a three-meter-wide walkway with leasable commercial spaces on one side at ground level, and a combination of walkway, bike lane, and viewing area on the roof deck.
Thirty commercial stalls with state-of-the-art amenities are up for grabs for leasing. These structures will use renewable energy and promote other environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.
President Marcos said he envisioned the waterway to become one of the world’s famous places for rest, recreation, and relaxation among Filipinos from all walks of life, to become a source of pride not just for Metro Manila but for the whole nation.
The Pasig River, according to the President, “reflects the unyielding resolve and bayanihan spirit (of cooperation) of the Filipinos.”
“Rest assured that apart from our enthusiasm and optimism, the First Lady and I will provide our all-out support and commitment to the completion of this project, hopefully in three years’ time,” the President said. “That will be our goal.”
Together with you and the First Lady, Mr. President, that will be our goal, too.
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