The Pasig River revival: Milestone for sustainability and heritage

The Pasig River, once declared biologically dead, is experiencing a remarkable revival through the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) program. This ambitious initiative, launched in 2023, is now receiving global recognition-earning the 2025 United Nations Asian Townscape Award for its contribution to sustainable urban development.

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The award, to be formally presented in Hong Kong this November, was officially confirmed by the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia. It is an acknowledgment of the government's multi-sectoral efforts to rehabilitate a river that holds immense historical, ecological, and cultural value.

At the heart of this transformation is the Pasig River Esplanade, a major milestone in the river's rehabilitation. First inaugurated in January 2024 with a 500-meter stretch behind the Manila Central Post Office, the esplanade now includes a 250-meter extension connecting to Plaza Mexico and Fort Santiago. The newest development closed a section of Plaza Mexico Road to create 2,000 square meters of public open space-a symbolic and physical reconnection of people with their river.