Intramuros, City of Manila
February 27, 2025

“This river has served Manila as a lifeblood long before our generation was conceived… 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,” expressed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when he launched the third phase of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Pasig River Urban Development Project in Intramuros, City of Manila.

The Project is poised to attract more tourists to Intramuros, opening a scenic and convenient link between the historic citadel of Fort Santiago and the revitalized Pasig River Esplanade. Now in its third phase, around 2,000 square meters of open space have been efficiently added by closing the road that once divided Plaza Mexico, creating a safer, more beautiful and expansive area for public events, gatherings and leisurely walks.

Through this link, visitors can already enter Fort Santiago through its Postigo Nuestra Señora de Soledad river gate, aside from the main entrance gate along Sta. Clara Street.

“With the opening of this new phase, we have created a pedestrian-friendly heritage corridor. One can jog, walk, or bike from Intramuros to Manila Central Post Office, across the historic and beautiful Jones Bridge, into the equally historic and cultural Binondo area,” the President shared in his speech.

He reported that following the opening of the Project’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 last year, the public has set up various shops along the Esplanade to cater to students, couples, tourists, friends and families who have come to enjoy the beauty of the Pasig River.

“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. He likewise acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD) led by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

“Patuloy ninyo akong samahan sa landasin na ito. Langhapin natin ang sariwang hangin at masdan ang mga sinag ng ilaw sa tubig. Nawa’y lagi nating matatandaan: Ito ay ating ilog. Ito ay ating kinabukasan. Sama-sama tayong bubuhayin ito,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his message.

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