Wazzup Pilipinas!?
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos took center stage on Thursday to inaugurate Phase 3 of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project—a bold stride in the long-overdue renaissance of Manila’s historic riverfront. Amid cheers echoing through Plaza Mexico, Riverside Drive in Intramuros, the ceremony was more than a ribbon-cutting; it was a declaration that the Pasig River, once the lifeblood of Manila, is being reborn.
The River That Remembers
For decades, the Pasig River has been both muse and mirror to the Filipino spirit. Once celebrated in the pages of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo as a vibrant artery of commerce and culture, the river later became a symbol of urban neglect and environmental decay. Yet, as President Marcos Jr. reminded the gathered crowd, the essence of the Pasig is not lost—it merely awaits revival. The current phase of the PBBM Project, designed to breathe new life into Plaza Mexico, Maestranza, and Fort Santiago, reflects a broader ambition: to restore not only a waterway but a piece of the nation’s collective memory.
A Vision in Concrete and Green
Phase 3, often hailed as the West Showcase Area, represents the convergence of history and modernity. By closing the once-divided Plaza Mexico road, officials have reclaimed 2,000 square meters of urban space—a canvas for open-air amphitheaters, landscaped gardens, and pedestrian walkways that invite both leisure and reflection. The project’s blueprint extends a gentle hand to Fort Santiago, where a renewed moat view and enhanced lighting promise to transform the ancient fortress into a beacon of cultural pride.
As detailed in the official launch by the Inter-Agency Council for Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD), chaired by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Department of Tourism, and the Intramuros Administration, among others. This rare display of inter-agency unity underscores a national commitment to preserve heritage while forging pathways to progress.
The Voices of Renewal
In his address, President Marcos Jr. captured the essence of the moment with a blend of candor and aspiration. “Our mission is simple, but it is difficult: to bring back the river to its pristine state and make it a vibrant waterway once again for life, for culture, and for mobility,” he declared. His words, echoing across the open spaces of the newly inaugurated area, were not mere platitudes—they were a call to collective action.
Equally compelling was the presence of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, whose lifelong passion for history and culture has long been evident. As a part-time criminal law professor with a deep appreciation for the arts, she has championed cultural preservation with an unwavering resolve. Her involvement in the PBBM Project is a testament to the belief that urban renewal need not come at the cost of heritage, but rather, can serve as a bridge between the past and the future.
A Social Media Sensation
In an unexpected nod to contemporary culture, the President observed with amusement that the newly unveiled Esplanade had quickly become a social media darling among Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Young Manila residents are already using the scenic backdrop for Instagram stories and TikTok videos—a modern ritual that, in its own way, honors the timeless beauty of the Pasig. This fusion of historical reverence and digital-age storytelling encapsulates the project’s dual aim: to celebrate heritage while engaging a generation poised to shape the country’s tomorrow.
A Symphony of Urban Renewal
Beyond its aesthetic and cultural appeal, the PBBM Project is emblematic of a more ambitious urban renewal strategy. For too long, Manila’s historic core has suffered under the weight of modern congestion and environmental challenges. The revitalization of the Pasig River is not merely about beautification; it is about reimagining urban spaces as communal sanctuaries where commerce, culture, and civic life harmoniously converge.
Critically, this phase of development is part of a continuum that began with earlier inaugurations—the initial 500-meter Esplanade behind the Manila Central Post Office and its subsequent expansion towards Plaza Mexico. With Phase 3 now connecting Fort Santiago to the existing Esplanade, the project creates a pedestrian-friendly heritage corridor that offers more than just a route for daily commutes. It is a pathway for reflection, community gatherings, and even spontaneous proposals in a setting that is both romantic and steeped in history.
Bridging Divides, Building Futures
Maria Ressa once wrote about the importance of remembering history while daring to reimagine it. In that spirit, the PBBM Project does more than resurrect old facades—it reclaims spaces that once defined the collective identity of a nation. In the interplay between restored brickwork and modern urban design, there is an implicit challenge to the forces that have long fragmented Manila’s public spaces. Here, history is not a static relic; it is an active participant in the dialogue between past and present.
The significance of this project extends beyond its immediate physical transformation. It represents a renewed civic commitment—a belief that public spaces can serve as living laboratories for democracy, art, and culture. As community members stroll along the revitalized walkways, attend events in the amphitheater, or simply pause to admire the carefully curated landscaping, they become part of a larger narrative. This narrative is one of unity and progress, where the scars of neglect give way to the promise of a vibrant, inclusive future.
The Road Ahead
While the launch of Phase 3 has been met with widespread acclaim and media attention—from detailed reports by DHSUD and GOVPH to enthusiastic coverage by the Inquirer and tribune.net—challenges remain. Restoring the Pasig River is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands sustained effort, transparent governance, and an unyielding commitment to environmental stewardship. Yet, if today’s celebration is any indication, the journey ahead is illuminated by a collective determination to honor the past while crafting a more resilient future.
In the end, the revitalization of the Pasig River is not just a governmental project—it is a shared dream. A dream that every Filipino, young or old, can walk beside a river that once carried the hopes of generations past, and now, once again, carries the promise of tomorrow.
As dusk settles over Manila and the newly lit pathways along the river shimmer with reflected history, one cannot help but feel that, finally, the heartbeat of the city is returning—a steady, hopeful pulse that calls out: Mabuhay ang Ilog Pasig!
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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