Thank you, Sec Jerry.

[Please take your wet seats.]

I better make this quick because it looks like the weather is threatening.

All the — well, Speaker Martin Romualdez is here, of course, the First Lady, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos; I see, I think, I saw some members of the Senate and the House of Representatives; and the mayors of Metro Manila; about to celebrate the Araw ng Maynila, is the good Mayor of Manila; and all of my fellow workers in government; and my extremely — our extremely important partners in the private sector; ladies and gentlemen; good evening!

Once again we gather at the banks of the historic Pasig River to be able to witness the inauguration of the esplanade’s newest stretch that is part of the ongoing “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli” Project.

Five months ago, when we opened the first phases of this endeavor to the public, I made a declaration—a promise—that “I am fully in” on this project, and that the First Lady and I would also be among the foremost advocates and proponents for its completion.

So our presence here now shows that we are making good progress on that promise, and that we are serious in ensuring that this project will reach its envisioned fruition.

We are here at the inaugural site of Phase 1C to mark the completion of another 500-meter showcase area of the Pasig River Urban Development Project’s Manila Old Downtown Segment.

The additional 250-meter development will connect the existing esplanade from Jones Bridge to Plaza Mexico and Fort Santiago in Intramuros.

Consistent with the initial project launch, Phase 1C focuses on functional development that includes pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, commercial zones, and green spaces.

It features leasable stalls that will house several food and retail stores as well as walkways, bike lanes, and a boardwalk that will add vibrance and drive tourism, and generate economic activity along the riverbanks.

The structures within the project are also targeted to use renewable energy and promote other ecological practices that are aligned with our environmental protection and conservation strategies.

So this is our continuing in our national agenda of sustainable development, which will redound the benefits of generations to come.

After decades of neglect, let us witness the revitalization of our beloved Pasig River.

A river that will look and feel like the famous waterways across the world, and that we see the Seine in Paris, the [River] Thames in London, the Chao Phraya in Bangkok.

But Pasig River, unlike any other river, for it has its own stories, its own lessons, and its heritage to tell.

It reflects the unyielding resolve and bayanihan spirit of the Filipinos.

Bringing the Pasig River back to life mirrors our ongoing journey towards a brighter future for our country. How well we do here will reflect our efforts in other areas of the country and how successful we are at improving and leaving the country a better place than we found it.

Rest assured that apart from our enthusiasm and optimism, the First Lady and I will provide our all-out support and commitment to the completion of this project, and hopefully in three years’ time that will be our goal.

Concerned government agencies and our dear partners in the private sector have worked tirelessly to complete this project just as how we have envisioned it.

The collaboration of the DHSUD, member agencies [of the] Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River [Urban] Development, the City of Manila – and the excellent upkeep of the showcase area since it opened to the public in January. Thank you for the dedication to the project.

Coupled with this appreciation is a reminder to sustain the cleanliness, beauty, and the security of the esplanade, to ensure that this whole project will be finished within the target time frame that we have put.

So, let us keep up the pace and the hard work, and ensure that the Pasig River becomes a place of rest, recreation, and pride for our people and our country.

Fellow Filipinos, it is a new era of revival and resurgence for our country. This is an exciting time for us all as we bring back the glory of our nation little by little.

Let us rally behind this advocacy and contribute, in our own way, to save the Pasig River. Supporting and participating in the efforts of the government and its partners to help maintain its cleanliness, and that will go a long way.

Let us work together to make this happen so that we can realize our promise to the Filipino people—a safe, comfortable, productive, sustainable, and peaceful future for everyone.

Thank you very much and I wish everyone a very pleasant evening. [applause]

–END–