Pedestrians visit the newly constructed showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office building in Manila on Thursday, January 18, 2024. It will serve as a public park consisting of a pedestrian-friendly walkway on a concrete platform equipped with a water fountain accented by lighting, and sitting areas for events. The 500-meter area is part of the initial phase of the comprehensive, multi-agency urban renewal project dubbed 鈥淧asig Bigyan Buhay Muli. 鈥淚NQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the inauguration of the third phase of the Pasig River rehabilitation project in Intramuros, Manila.
Marcos said he was happy that the Esplanade had become an instant hit among Gen Zs and Gen Alphas.
鈥淥ur mission is simple, but it is difficult: to bring back the river to its pristine state and make it a vibrant waterway once again for life, for culture, and for mobility,鈥� the President said in his speech.
鈥淚 was happy and a little surprised to know that the Esplanade has become an instant hit among our Gen Zs and some Gen Alphas, who use it as a backdrop for IG stories and for TikTok,鈥� he added.
Located at Plaza Mexico, Riverside Drive in Intramuros, Phase 3 is expected to聽create 2,000 square meters of open space by closing the previously divided Plaza Mexico road.
鈥淭his will create a safer, more beautiful, and expansive area for public events, for gatherings, and for leisurely walks. More than a development project, it symbolizes unity鈥攈onoring our past while embracing progress,鈥� Marcos said.
Phase 1 was inaugurated in 2024. It is a 500-meter esplanade showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office.
Meanwhile, Phase 2 is the extended esplanade showcase area towards Plaza Mexico in Intramuros, which was also launched in 2024.
Phase 3, or the West Showcase Area, connects Fort Santiago and the existing Pasig River Esplanade.