The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has committed to protect the old structures of Intramuros City at the course of the Pasig River urban development project.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the cultural heritage of the Walled City will be untouched throughout construction around the area as part of Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) project which is aimed at rehabilitating and maximizing the economic potentials of the waterway.
Intramuros is home to world-renowned landmarks such as Fort Santiago, the San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral and popular among tourists, both local and international, for its Spanish colonial era structures, cobblestoned streets and horse-drawn carriages.
“The First Lady herself Liza Araneta-Marcos has emphasized the need to protect the cultural heritage of Intramuros. So we will make sure that everything will be protected as far as the structures in the Walled City are concerned,’ said Acuzar.
The construction of the multi-phased transformation of Pasig River into a center for tourism and economic activity has extended to the Intramuros area in February this year.
The expansion was buoyed by the success of the development area behind Manila Central Post Office which is now popular among local and foreign tourists.
Acuzar envisions the completion of the Pasig River rehabilitation project to be a value added to tourism in the nation’s capital.
“The DHSUD is closely coordinating with the National Commission for Cultural and the Arts (NCCA) to ensure the preservation and protection of the renowned Walled City,” said Acuzar.
The ongoing construction of the PBBM project will interconnect the showcase area, now a popular outdoor gathering spot among both tourists and locals, to the Intramuros area either through the transition bridge and walkway under Jones Bridge.
The revitalization project was the result of Executive Order No. 35, issued by the President in July 2023 that established IAC-PRUD to “transform Pasig River back into historically pristine condition conducive to transport, recreation and tourism.”
Phase one was completed and opened to the public within six months of the order of President Marcos.
The First Couple has expressed their full commitment to the project to maximize the full potential of Pasig River and bring it to the level of other major waterways in the world such as the Thames River in London, the Chao Phraya in Bangkok and the Seine River in Paris.
Aside from restoring the river back to its old glory, the project also aims to help address traffic issues in the cities along the river by creating a seamless connection between road and water transport.
“Commuters can also transition from surface roads to water transport through bridgewalks which will be constructed at major points that will serve as pick-up and drop-off points for the water ferries,” Acuzar explained.
The project has an estimated completion timeline of three-to-five years and will be funded through donations from the private sector.