Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Launching of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli Phase 4

Thank you to Presidential Adviser for the Pasig River Rehabilitation, Secretary Jerry Acuzar.

Nandito rin po ang ating Speaker, Speaker Bodjie Dy at lahat ng mga ating kasama sa lehislatura; the Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; the honorable members of the Cabinet that are here; and Manila City Mayor Isko Domagoso; Asian Development Bank Country Director Mr. Andrew Jeffries; and of course, one of the driving forces behind all of these that we have seen, the First Lady, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos; [applause] fellow workers in government; other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Good evening.

Every time we gather here by the Pasig River, we are reminded that progress does not always mean building something new. Sometimes, progress means bringing something beautiful back to life.

Only seven months after opening Phase 3 along Intramuros, we now see Phase 4 of the Pasig River Urban Development Project.

This 530-meter stretch behind the Manila Central Post Office all the way to Arroceros [Forest] Park is being reborn into a vibrant riverside space featuring walkways, bike lanes, and commercial areas.

This Phase 4 will connect seamlessly with Phase 1 of the project, creating a continuous riverside path that will link people, culture, and opportunity.

Sikat na sikat nang pasyalan ang mga natapos nang bahagi ng proyektong ito. Tingnan ninyo po sa Instagram, sa Tiktok, sa Facebook, marami na pong nagpo-post na bumibisita rito.

These are the perfect spots for everyone:

For the foodies, there is a wide selection of classic Filipino merienda and global flavors to satisfy all your cravings.

For the health-conscious, there are bike lanes and walkways ideal for running or cycling — or as demonstrated by my son, also skateboarding.

For the romantic at heart, you can enjoy a sunset stroll, hand in hand with your significant other.

At kung wala pa siya, baka naman dito mo naman mahanap ‘yung “the one.”

But beyond the sights and sounds, this project is ultimately for everyone. So, people can find time to relax, to feel refreshed in the middle of a bustling city in the middle of a busy day.

Just like in earlier phases, this portion is also open for the small and medium businesses, to give them new ground to grow and to be part of this revitalized community.

To ensure the welfare of the affected communities, we have safely relocated 63 informal settler families into their new homes in Naic, Cavite, where they can have better access to services and a chance to start afresh.

This inclusive development is done with that purpose at heart.

So, as we continue to bring life back to Pasig River, we are also offering new ways to travel in a more sustainable way.

Just two weeks ago, the DOST launched the M/B Dalaray—the Philippines’ first locally designed and fabricated electric ferry that can sail for up to three hours straight along the Pasig River. It will be fully operational by November.

This marks a clear step toward clean mobility and reduced emissions.

We are also exploring new technologies that will help clean the river.

One example is one that we saw on the way here, the ClearBot, which is a solar powered, AI-enabled robotic vessel that supports our Estero Rangers and River Warriors.

This pilot initiative is being explored with the help of the Asian Development Bank and Clear Robotics.

We don’t stop there though. [applause] We don’t stop there though.

Just this Friday, I had a productive meeting with the Mayor of Manila where we discussed key projects that will further transform the city.

First is the planned conversion of the Intramuros Golf Course into an Open Green Space, [applause] providing more breathing room in the heart of the city while at the same time preserving the historic charm of Intramuros.

There is also a plan to rehabilitate the Plaza Calderon, a cultural and historical landmark that sits just steps away from Pasig River.

To make the area even more walkable, we will enhance the Lawton Underpass to improve pedestrian access to the Esplanade and the entire riverside stretch. [applause]

All these efforts are part of a larger vision to create a culturally rich urban environment where history, nature, and modern living come together seamlessly.

This is yet more proof that when the national government, the private sector, LGUs, and the communities collaborate and work as one, great, game-changing things will happen.

There’s much still to be done. But we’re consistently moving, especially with the help of our most industrious and non-stop energizer bunny, the First Lady. [applause]

Because of her vision and dedication, this Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli Project was named one of the recipients of the 2025 Asian Townscape Award by the UN-Habitat for its sustainable urban development work. Congratulations! [applause]

The First Lady does not like to be in the spotlight, but this is one of those moments where I really have to say, thank you for your passion, for your drive, for your energy, for your industry. [applause] You inspire me and everybody else every day. Because she won’t let us sleep, she’s on the phone: ‘Come on, go get it done. What happened? What happened?” [laughter]

To everyone involved, all our partners, our city officials, our workers on the ground, and every Filipino who believes in a better Pasig River: Maraming salamat po.

Let us keep this river flowing with hope, with life, and with pride.

Mabuhay ang Ilog Pasig!

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!

Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. [applause]

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