(Photo courtesy : PIA fbpage)
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos led the ceremonial turnover of newly built vendor kiosks at the Pasig River Esplanade on Tuesday, underscoring the administration’s push to marry livelihood generation with the long-term revival of the country’s most iconic waterway.
The kiosk turnover forms part of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project, a flagship program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that aims to reimagine the 25-kilometer Pasig River corridor as a dynamic destination for culture, recreation, and tourism.
During the ceremony, 47 kiosks and 18 commercial chambers were formally awarded to 22 operating businesses, opening fresh livelihood opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Once fully completed, the esplanade will feature a total of 80 kiosks housing a diverse mix of food vendors, grooming and salon services, novelty and flower shops, and stalls showcasing local crafts.
Constructed using wood and steel, the kiosks are available in 2×2-foot and 2×3-foot configurations and replace the temporary pop-up tents previously used along the riverbank. The permanent structures are designed to offer vendors safer, more durable, and better-organized commercial spaces that match the aesthetic of the riverwalk.
Situated along the Intramuros section of the Pasig River Esplanade, the kiosks complement the completed walkway stretching from Fort Santiago to Jones Bridge. The area is expected to attract thousands of visitors daily, further strengthening the river’s role as a leisure and tourism hub in the capital.
The kiosk initiative is led by the Office of the First Lady in coordination with the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Rehabilitation, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Intramuros Administration. Megaworld Corporation provided technical assistance during the project’s initial phase of commercial operations.
Beyond economic activity, the project also reflects the administration’s commitment to environmental protection and river preservation. The esplanade enforces a clean-as-you-go policy, supported by proper waste segregation and disposal systems to help maintain cleanliness along the riverbanks.
The Pasig River Esplanade is open to the public daily, from Monday to Sunday, with commercial operations running from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight, offering residents and tourists alike a renewed space to experience the historic river while supporting local enterprises.