Cover Morning traffic on the Guadalupe Bridge (Photo: GettyImages)
Morning traffic on the Guadalupe Bridge (Photo: GettyImages)
1 / 1
After many attempts to rehabilitate the Pasig River, this one promises to transform it into a hub of connectivity and commerce
For years, the Pasig River has been described as an unpleasant, filthy waterway reeking with foul odour. Through time, industrialisation and negligence have destroyed what was once a pristine river with deep ties to our nation’s history. It was an essential transportation route for trade and commerce during the Spanish colonial period.
Even the Philippine National Hero, Dr Jose Rizal, wrote about using the river to get to the city in his novels Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Thousands have resided on its banks over the decades, and many have relied on it for food and fresh water.
More from Tatler: Eco-Warriors: Lou Albano on the role of journalism in achieving a more sustainable future
Above The Pasig River during the Spanish-American War (Photo: GettyImages)
The Pasig River during the Spanish-American War (Photo: GettyImages)
1 / 1
The government and the private sector sought to rehabilitate the Pasig River several times. In 1993, former President Fidel V Ramos formed a task force focused solely on restoring the river. Under Administrative Order No. 74, the Pasig River was projected to be wholly revitalised in 15 years. In 1994, his wife Amelita ‘Ming’ Ramos founded the Clean & Green Foundation, Inc (C&GFI), a non-profit organisation committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing the environment.
The group has directed its efforts towards the revivification of the Pasig River—investing its resources in volunteer groups, barangay contests along Pasig’s riverbanks, concerts and symposiums, eco-boats and a regular heritage marathon—and in 1995, the NGO was authorised to conduct a national fund campaign under Proclamation No. 673. In 1999, the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) was established to consolidate all attempts at recovery. Chaired by the late environmentalist Gina Lopez, the PRRC was able to clean up at least 17 tributaries connecting to the Pasig River.
Above The Pasig River today (Photo: GettyImages)
The Pasig River today (Photo: GettyImages)
1 / 1
After all these several attempts, the vision of a clean and usable river has yet to be realised. The causes of failure are many. Continued urbanisation and increase in population in the city proved to transpire faster than rehabilitation efforts. Political reasons challenge its continuity. But the river is again facing hope with another chance to breathe life into its murky waters.
To restore the Pasig River to its former glory, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr and First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos, in collaboration with members of the Inter-agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD) led by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), launched the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli project under Executive Order No 35. Issued on July 25, 2023, EO 35 aims to “rehabilitate the Pasig River to its historically pristine condition conducive to transport, recreation and tourism”.
From mending the river’s damaged state to relocating informal settlers and commercial development, this project promises a lot. The questions it has raised: “Will it deliver? How long will the promises last? What does the future look like?”
Plan of Action
Six months after the project launch, the President, First Lady, IAC-PRUD, and DHSUD inaugurated a showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office on January 17, 2024. Spanning over 500 metres, the Pasig River Esplanade is a public park with pedestrian-friendly walkways, bike lanes, a water fountain complemented by ambient lighting, and vast spaces that could serve as a great open-air venue for events.
The Pasig River Urban Development Project is rooted in three main principles: connectivity, commercial viability and community engagement. This project isn’t a simple clean-up but aims to uplift social, economic, environmental and settlement conditions while maintaining sustainable practices. To achieve all this, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, the project’s chairperson, shares his plans.
Above The Jones Bridge (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
The Jones Bridge (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
1 / 1
Making transportation seamless for the public is vital to achieving connectivity. “This 25-kilometre stretch connects bodies of water such as Laguna de Bay and other tributaries to Manila Bay. Thus, it’s necessary to develop a people-centred thoroughfare by the water that prioritises pedestrians, cyclists and commuters,” Acuzar says.
Commercial viability will come naturally as the development integrates commercial spaces into the design, allowing small to medium enterprises to set up shop and thrive. “These spots will create several pockets of economic activity and promote local economic dynamism by creating new jobs, spurring new businesses and overall increased productivity in the established spaces,” Acuzar continues.
The River Ahead
Finally, community engagement can be attained through revitalising riverside culture—fostering the idea of bayanihan to urge the public to actively care for Pasig River’s ecosystem. “We wish to encourage a collective responsibility to protect our environment. Besides, the housing component to be built at both ends of the development—one at the PPA property in Manila and the other at the LLDA property in Rizal—also highlights our people-centred strategy,” the DHSUD Secretary adds.
Paulo Alcazaren, the project’s architect, shares his vision in a social media post: “The opportunity to make Metro Manila a better place for people along the 25 kilometres of the Pasig River. Imagine a linear park on both sides. That’s a total length of over 50 kilometres, with an area greater than Rizal Park! Why not?!” Once completed, the esplanade will give communities better access to transportation, recreation and mixed-use development amenities while preserving the river’s historical and cultural value.
Above An evening at the Pasig River Esplanade behind the Manila Post Office (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
An evening at the Pasig River Esplanade behind the Manila Post Office (Photo: Jon Nouel Hipe)
1 / 1
The walkway behind the Manila Central Post Office boasts neoclassical styles to match the adjacent building. The esplanade’s design is projected to vary depending on the surrounding area. “Since the post office is in a neoclassic style, we built Victorian lamps around the area. In other areas not dictated by style, we will segue into more neutrals,” shares Alcazaren.
“The IAC-PRUD will remain focused on the planning and implementing the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli project... There will be a comprehensive masterplan and whole-of-government cooperation involved in our pursuit of transforming the river into a development that prioritises the well-being of people,” Acuzar says.
Apart from the primary plan, efforts are also to rehabilitate nearby bodies of water like the Estero Tripa de Gallina that flow into the Pasig River. “The Metro Manila Development Authority and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are looking into restoring these waterways. Several local government units have also expressed interest in leading the development of Pasig River tributaries within their jurisdiction,” Acuzar shares.
The project has also prompted the government to relocate many informal settlers residing on the Pasig River’s banks to one of two housing developments as part of the administration’s flagship housing project—the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino, the 4PH Program.
Above The City of Manila (Photo: GettyImages)
The City of Manila (Photo: GettyImages)
1 / 1
The project looks promising, but it is a challenging task that involves considering the issues of longevity and sustainability. Acuzar highlights the significant support required from the government, private sector and public to achieve this vision. For instance, the esplanade has already attracted a lot of attention from the public, which has helped raise awareness and appreciation towards the Pasig River. People are slowly beginning to see the river in a more positive light rather than just as a dying waterway. The private sector has also pledged to donate funds to support the project’s development.
Acuzar says that the walkway will be substantially completed within two years with continuous support from various government agencies and robust collaboration with our private sector partners. In our nation’s history, the river had an important role in trade and transportation. We must restore it.
NOW READ
Gretchen Ho on how much difference in society can donating a bicycle make
Engr Mark Bantugon on his James Dyson award-winning invention and its impact on aeronautics
Atty Angela Consuelo Ibay on finding the middle ground when defending the environment in court
About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
