President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday launched Phase 4 of the Pasig River rehabilitation project, unveiling a 530-meter stretch from the Manila Central Post Office to Arroceros Forest Park. The new segment features walkways, bike lanes, and commercial spaces, connecting seamlessly to earlier completed phases near Intramuros.
“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 during the launch at the Lawton Pasig River Ferry station.
The President said the project aims to create “a continuous riverside path that will link people, culture and opportunity,” envisioning it as a hub for leisure, commerce, and sustainable travel.
“For the romantic at heart, you can enjoy a sunset stroll, hand in hand with your significant other. At kung wala pa sya, baka naman dito mo naman mahanap ‘yung ‘the one,’” he added.
Marcos noted that earlier phases of the project have become viral tourist spots and announced that small and medium businesses will be allowed to operate in the new commercial areas.
The government relocated 63 informal settler families to Naic, Cavite, to clear the site. Marcos also highlighted the modernization of river transport, including the electric ferry M/B Dalaray and the AI-powered ClearBot for river cleanup.
He further revealed plans with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno to convert the Intramuros Golf Course into a public park, rehabilitate Plaza Calderon in Binondo, and upgrade the Lawton Underpass.
“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,” Marcos said, crediting First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for spearheading the initiative, which recently earned the 2025 Asian Townscape Award from the UN-Habitat.