President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the inauguration of Phase 4 of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project on Sunday, October 19, at the Lawton Pasig River Ferry Station in Manila.
“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,” Marcos said in his speech.
Only seven months after the launch of Phase 3 earlier this year, the fourth phase of the project will focus on developing walkways, bike lanes, commercial spaces, and bridges, connecting with the ongoing construction of Phase 1A from the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) to Arroceros Park.
The President proudly shared the public’s growing appreciation for the project:
“Sikat na sikat nang pasyalan ang mga natapos na bahagi ng proyektong ito. Tignan niyo po sa Instagram, sa TikTok, sa Facebook, marami na pong nagpo-post na bumibisita rito,” he said with enthusiasm.
He added that the Pasig River project offers something for everyone: “These are the perfect spots for everyone. For the foodies, there’s a wide selection of classic Filipino merienda and global flavors… For the health conscious, there are bike lanes and walkways… For the romantic at heart, you can enjoy a sunset stroll… Kung wala pa siya, baka di mo naman makita ang ‘the one.’”
As in previous phases, Phase 4 also welcomes small and medium enterprises (SMEs), providing local entrepreneurs opportunities to grow their businesses along the revitalized riverbanks.
Marcos assured that the 63 informal settler families affected by the construction have been safely relocated to new homes in Naic, Cavite, where they will have better access to public services.
“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 to start afresh,” he affirmed.
In line with his administration’s push for sustainable urban development, Marcos also highlighted the launch of new eco-friendly transportation initiatives along the Pasig River.
These include the M/B Dalaray, a solar-powered e-passenger ferry developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), set to operate this November, and a solar-powered, AI-enabled robotic vessel that will assist in river cleanup.
“This marks a clear step towards clean mobility and reduced emissions,” he added.
The President also credited the First Lady’s leadership and vision for the project’s success and international recognition.
“There’s still much to be done, but we’re still consistently moving. Especially with the help of our most industrious and non-stop, energizer bunny, the First Lady,” he said.
Because of her dedication, the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli Project was recently named one of the recipients of the 2025 Asian Townscape Award by the UN-Habitat for its contribution to sustainable urban development.
“Let us keep this river flowing with hope, with life, and with pride. Mabuhay ang Ilog Pasig, mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas,” Marcos concluded.