The Second Phase: What’s next for the Pasig River?

Visitors can now enjoy the scenic esplanade, starting from the showcase area behind the Manila Post Office and ending at Plaza Mexico, a historical square that houses the IV Centenary of the Mexico–Philippines Maritime Expedition monument. “Before the end of President Marcos Jr.’s term, the entire 25-kilometre stretch of the Pasig River, from Manila Bay to Laguna de Bay, will be connected,” Acuzar adds.

“It was part of Secretary Acuzar’s proof of concept to show that commercial spaces for small to medium-sized businesses can be integrated into the esplanade,” says Alcazaren. Above the kiosks, visitors can access a viewing deck to get an elevated perspective of the river and cityscape.

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“This 500-metre stretch of the esplanade looks Filipino since it’s much closer to Intramuros. We wanted it to match its surroundings,” adds Alcazaren. The esplanade is designed in varying styles. The first phase, for instance, features Victorian lamps to match the Manila Post Office’s neoclassical style.

“Since the area is covered by Intramuros, which is on Unesco’s tentative list of heritage sites, the IAC-PRUD had to coordinate the development project carefully. We drew inspiration from the walls of Intramuros for the building with the view deck and commercial spaces. As our heritage agency members of the Council recommended, we followed the Intramuros Register of Styles in designing the next segment,” shares Acuzar.

While phase two of the Pasig River Esplanade added spaces for cafes and restaurants for tourists, the future promises more connectivity and state-of-the-art amenities. The old PLDT building will be demolished to make way for Plaza Magallanes—where a monument to Magellan, erected in 1848, once stood. Soon, the Pasig River Esplanade will connect to Fort Santiago’s existing and old-fashioned boardwalk.

“We plan to continue extending the esplanade to Intramuros. The next phase will highlight the historic walls and provide access through Fort Santiago. Once completed by the end of 2024, the Esplanade will smoothly connect the Manila Post Office and Binondothrough Jones Bridge, Plaza Mexico and Intramuros through the walkways and bike lanes… With these plans, we hit five tourist attractions linked by this esplanade. We have the Manila Post Office, the Magellan Monument, Plaza Mexico, the Maestranza walls and Fort Santiago,” says Acuzar and Alcazaren.

The Pasig River Esplanade is designed and envisioned as pedestrian-centric, seamlessly integrating bike lanes, walkways and ramps. “For the Pasig RiverUrban Development Project, we want to highlight the importance of open and pedestrian spaces that are friendly for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Senior Citizens,” Acuzar tells Tatler. The project also hopes to reignite the Filipino people’s love for the river—issuing a call to action to help revitalise what was once a pristine waterway that brought life to thousands of settlers.

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