First Couple’s strong will hailed over Pasig River banks transformation
THE successful transformation of the Pasig River banks has been attributed to the strong political will and relentless support of the country’s First Couple – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
According to Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) project being implemented by the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig Urban Development (IAC-PRUD) has earned massive public acceptance.
As chairman of the IAC-PRUD, Secretary Acuzar has been at the forefront since the conceptualization and execution of Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project initially in Manila.
“Wala po kaming magagawang ganito kung hindi dahil sa political will ng mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at sa buong suporta ni First Lady. Sila po talaga ang nasa likod ng proyektong ito,” Acuzar said.
Spanning 1.1 kilometer open public space – from the back of the iconic Manila Central Post Office to the world-renowned Intramuros wall and down to the historic Fort Santiago – the showcase is now being enjoyed by people from all walks of life- for free.
“Panawagan ko po sa lahat na panatilihin ang naibalik na kagandahan at kalinisan sa Ilog Pasig. Tayo pong lahat ay may papel, maliit man o malaki, upang tuluyang maibalik ang dating sigla ng Ilog Pasig,” the DHSUD head said.
He cited the President’s issuance of Executive Order 35 that created IAC-PRUD to bring back the glory and prestige of Pasig River, with functional and sustainable urban redevelopment.
PBBM Project has established a new heritage corridor that preserves culture and history while embracing future progress and development.
The project’s Phase 3, which was inagurated last Thursday by the First Couple, connected Plaza Mexico to Maestranza esplanade leading to the Fort Santiago riverfront. The newly-opened phase now provides an additional 2,000 square meters of open public space for all.
