President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the Filipino people that the “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli” project will be pursued relentlessly as he personally oversees the endeavor with the help of First Lady Atty. Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos.
“Hindi po ito ningas cogon na kampanya o flavor of the month lang. This will be pursued relentlessly. Kaya’t ano ba naman ang bago rito? Tututukan ninyo at ng inyong pangulo at siyempre ang talagang lead proponent nito ang ating First Lady,” President Marcos said.
Marcos said he has instructed the local government units (LGUs) along the Pasig River, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to submit quarterly and yearly report.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) was also tasked to submit its report on the development of the Pasig River rehabilitation project.
“I want a quarterly and yearly report submitted to my office because I want to see this prototype of redevelopment of Pasig River—right here, right now—produced in sustainable speed and in sustainable focus up to its final and logical conclusion,” Marcos said.
The President shared that his advisers have cautioned him from linking the fate of the Pasig River to his political fortunes, and refrain from upholding it as an icon of the “Bagong Pilipinas” drive as it could be a dangerous barometer if the project fails.
“But, I will not be deterred from placing a bet on this endeavor because the presidency is about attaining the grand, and not wasting mandates on the petty,” Marcos said.
“So, you do not expect any half-hearted commitments. Not from this president. In everything I do, I am all fully in. [Applause] Meron din po kasing in-house advocate ang Pasig River sa aming pamilya – ang ating First Lady, a passionate champion of this river’s survival but who has been quietly doing the spadework on this project,” he added.
Before concluding his speech, the President said the rehabilitation of the Pasig River is not being done for the benefit of the administration, but for the next generation. PND
