Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar on Sunday hailed the administration support to the Pasig River rehabilitation project.
Acuzar said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Marcos’ all-out support for the “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM)” project has also inspired the inter-agency council members spearheading the urban development program.
Acuzar, chairperson of the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD), said they aim to maximize the potential of the waterways.
He cited the vital role of private partners in the successful implementation of the master plan laid out by the IAC-PRUD.
“We already have the all-out support of the President and the First Lady. With the dedication of the council and financial help from donors in the private sector, we hope to transform the First Couple’s vision into reality– restore the beauty of the Pasig River and transform it into a prominent landmark for tourism and economic activity,” he said.
He lauded the efforts of Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga in support to the PBBM project.
On Jan. 17, the First Couple led the inauguration of the project’s showcase area at the back of the Philippine Postal Corp. central office in Manila.
To ensure that the targets for the PBBM project are strictly met, the President has instructed the concerned government agencies to submit quarterly and yearly progress reports as he would “want to see this prototype of redevelopment of Pasig River — right here, right now — produced in sustainable speed and sustainable focus up to its final and logical conclusion.”
Created pursuant to Executive Order 35 issued last July, the IAC-PRUD aims to address the urgent need to rehabilitate and enhance the quality of life along the banks of the Pasig River, its tributaries and surrounding communities.
Acuzar said for the affected informal settler families along the river, DHSUD has already proposed two major housing projects with the Philippine Ports Authority in Manila and the Laguna Lake Development Authority at the Lupang Arenda in Rizal.