The government’s project to rehabilitate the Pasig River will also include housing for informal settlers, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said on Friday.
“Habang ginagawa mo ‘yung Pasig River format, inaayos mo ‘yung housing noong tatamaan nila kasi hindi magandang effect sa community ‘yan,” DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said in an interview over Malacañang Insider.
Acuzar noted that the construction of housing units in the port area is already underway.
“So, ngayon kung titingnan po, mayroon po tayong tinatayong pabahay diyan sa PPA diyan sa Port Area. Almost 40 or 50,000 units, ‘yan ang ginagawa, ongoing na po ‘yan, nagtatayo na po diyan,” Acuzar said, adding the project is near completion.
“Para wala pong masabi na pinapaganda natin iyong lugar, pinapabayaan naman natin iyong mga mahihirap na nakatira doon sa mga ilalim ng tulay, doon sa mga tabi ng ilog at sa mga estero,” he said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos led the inauguration of Phase 1C of the Pasig River Urban Development Project (PRUDP) showcase area last June.
During the event, President Marcos acknowledged the fruitful collaboration of various agencies that resulted in its excellent upkeep since its opening in January.
The esplanade’s newest stretch is part of the ongoing “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli” project.
The project marks the completion of the 500-meter showcase area of the Pasig River Urban Development Project’s (PRUDP) Manila Old Downtown Segment.
Phase 1C focuses on functional development that includes pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, commercial zones, and green spaces, featuring leasable stalls, walkways, bike lanes, and a boardwalk.
The DHSUD head said the government’s project will also include a bike lane and a transportation option called water taxis.
“So, ngayon ang mangyayari niyan instead na sumakay ka ng jeep papuntang Makati galing kang Manila, maglalakad ka na lang along Pasig River o magba-bike,” Acuzar said.
“Ang Pasig River kasi parang ginawa po naming parang EDSA. So, lahat ng area puwede kang bumaba. So, puwede kang pumara ng taxi, sasakay ka, bababa ka sa kabila,” he added.
In June last year, President Marcos ordered the creation of the IAC-PRUD, which is mandated to facilitate and ensure the full rehabilitation of the banks along the Pasig River water system and nearby water systems to provide alternative transportation, propel economic opportunities, and boost tourism activities.
Executive Order (EO) No. 35 highlighted the immense historical and cultural significance of the Pasig River as a vital waterway that facilitates trade, transportation, and communication. The river also serves as a prominent landmark and tourist attraction.
“There is an urgent need to rehabilitate and enhance the quality of life along the banks of the Pasig River, its tributaries and surrounding communities,” EO No. 35 read. PND
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