Reviving, Revitalizing the Pasig River

The Pasig River, stretching 26 kilometers from Manila Bay to Laguna de Bay and coursing through the nation’s capital and nearby towns, has long been a vital feature in the growth of the communities it sustained and the lives of Filipinos it nourished.

A new dawn. The Pasig River showed remarkable signs of recovery, with fish, birds, trees, and other vegetation returning.

Historical accounts note that the river once served as an important transport route and source of clean water, particularly during the Spanish colonial period.

Over time, however, negligence, industrial development, and the proliferation of communities and establishments along its banks and nearby areas led to its rapid degradation.

By the 1930s, signs of deterioration had already become highly noticeable. Fish migration from Laguna de Bay declined, the water turned black and muddy, and a foul odor permeated the air. Domestic and industrial waste continued to accumulate.

In 1990, the Pasig River was declared biologically dead by the Danish International Development Agency.

Successive administrations launched programs to revive the river. After nearly two decades of sustained efforts, the Pasig River showed remarkable signs of recovery, with fish, birds, trees, and other vegetation returning. In 2019, it was awarded the Asian River Prize by the International River Foundation (IRF).

Leveling Up the Goals and Efforts

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared a firm commitment to intensifying efforts to restore the Pasig River and transform it into a vital modern transport and tourism corridor, while addressing long-standing environmental and urban challenges.

In July 2023, he issued Executive Order No. 35, creating the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD), chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

Its mandate is to “facilitate and ensure the full rehabilitation of the banks along the Pasig River water system and nearby water systems in order to provide alternative transportation, propel economic opportunities, and boost tourism activities.”

The ₱18-billion Pasig River Urban Development (PRUD) program—dubbed Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli—was crafted with the leadership of First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.

Serving as the master plan, PRUD includes projects such as the development of linear parks, walkways, bikeways, and commercial hubs.

It also seeks to improve the Pasig River Ferry System by adding more boats and stations.

On January 17, 2024, the Pasig River Esplanade, the first phase of the master plan, was inaugurated.

This phase introduced pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, commercial zones, and green spaces. It features leasable stalls for food and retail outlets, walkways, bike lanes, and a boardwalk designed to boost tourism and economic activity along the riverbanks.

The project incorporates renewable energy use and other ecological practices aligned with environmental protection strategies. Phase 2, extending the esplanade towards Plaza Mexico in Intramuros, was launched in June 2024.

Phase 3, the West Showcase Area, links Fort Santiago and the existing esplanade. It includes the beautification of Plaza Mexico, the construction of the Maestranza boardwalk, and the rehabilitation of Fort Santiago.

The Maestranza boardwalk offers a 16-meter-wide, 240-meter-long pedestrian and cycling path. (Photo: PNA)

Plaza Mexico’s upgrade features a 2,000-square-meter open activity area, an amphitheater, and ornamental landscaping.

The Maestranza boardwalk offers a 16-meter-wide, 240-meter-long pedestrian and cycling path.

“I was happy and a little surprised to know that the Esplanade has become an instant hit among our Gen Zs and even some Gen Alphas, who use it as a backdrop for Instagram stories and TikTok,” the President remarked, noting that many have since set up shops on-site.

Solidifying the Commitment

On August 13, 2025, President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 92, creating the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Pasig River Rehabilitation (OPAPRR) for “the effective and timely implementation of the rehabilitation and development of the Pasig River.”

The office will be led by Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar.

The OPAPRR is tasked with advising the President on all matters related to policies, plans, and programs for the river. It will also monitor, coordinate, and harmonize efforts among agencies.

EO 92 also reorganized the IAC-PRUD, naming the Presidential Adviser on Pasig River Rehabilitation as its chairperson, with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair as vice chair.

Other members include the Secretaries of DHSUD, DPWH, DENR, DILG, DOLE, DOT, DOTr, DOF, and DBM.

A Clear Vision for the Pasig River

“After decades of neglect, let us witness the revitalization of our beloved Pasig River—a river that will look and feel like the famous waterways of the world, such as the Seine in Paris, the Thames in London, and the Chao Phraya in Bangkok,” President Marcos said.

“But the Pasig River has its own stories, its own lessons, and its heritage to tell. It reflects the unyielding resolve and bayanihan spirit of the Filipino people.”

The San Miguel Corporation has been essential in spearheading cleanup efforts. (Photo: San Miguel Corporation)

He emphasized: “Bringing the Pasig River back to life mirrors our ongoing journey towards a brighter future for our country. How well we do here will reflect how we succeed in improving other areas of the nation and leaving it a better place than we found it.”

The President called on the public: “Let us rally behind this advocacy and contribute, in our own way, to save the Pasig River.”