First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has inspected the Pasig River Esplanade as part of preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chairship.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Araneta-Marcos said the visit aimed to make the area cleaner, more sanitary and more welcoming for the more than 10,000 people who pass through the esplanade daily.
“The Pasig River is here to stay — and so is our responsibility to care for it. Together, we can make it cleaner, safer and more sustainable for generations to come,” she said.
She said uniform vendor booths will replace scattered tents to improve order and cleanliness in the area.
Each booth will be equipped with proper amenities such as sinks, mini refrigerators and microwaves to ensure sanitary conditions and dignified workspaces for vendors.
Araneta-Marcos also announced the launch of a “Clean As You Go” program to encourage the public to reduce, reuse and recycle waste.
She emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in caring for the Pasig River.
Araneta-Marcos said the improvements at the Pasig River Esplanade are expected to be completed by late January.
As part of the country’s preparations for ASEAN 2026, she also visited the Coconut Palace and the Likhang Filipino Center in Pasay City on Monday. (PNA)
