The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said the strong political will of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led to the successful transformation of the Pasig River.

In a news release on Tuesday, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the “relentless support” of the First Couple is behind the successful implementation of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project by the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD).

Acuzar is also the chairperson of the IAC-PRUD.

“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 (I call on everyone to maintain the revived beauty and cleanliness of Pasig River. We all have a role, small or big, in bringing back the vibrance of Pasig River),” he said.

Marcos’ issuance of Executive Order 35 created IAC-PRUD to bring back the glory and prestige of the Pasig River with functional and sustainable urban redevelopment, he added.

Currently, the showcase area is open to everyone. It covers 1.1 km. of open public space—from the back of the Manila Central Post Office to the Intramuros wall and down to Fort Santiago.

Acuzar also underscored the importance of having an open park Filipinos can visit.

“Sa mga ganitong lugar po ay pantay-pantay ang lahat —mayaman man o mahirap. ‘Yan po ang gustong ibigay ng ating administrasyon sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino (In places like this, the rich and poor are equal. That is what the administration wants to give to fellow Filipinos),” he said.

The PBBM Project has established a new heritage corridor, preserving culture and history while embracing progress and development.

The First Couple inaugurated Phase 3 of the project on Feb. 27.

It connected Plaza Mexico to Maestranza esplanade, leading to the Fort Santiago riverfront. It provides an additional 2,000 square meters of open public space. (PNA)