President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. credited First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos for her key role in the success of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) project, which has earned the 2025 Asian Townscape Award from the United Nations for its outstanding contribution to sustainable urban development.
The award will be formally presented in Hong Kong on November 27, 2025.
In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the recognition was confirmed by the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia, following deliberations held in Japan on September 17.
“Kinumpirma ng UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia ang naturang pagkilala sa Pilipinas ayon sa liham na ipinadala sa Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development ilang linggo matapos ang deliberations,” Castro said.
The Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli project is a major initiative of the Marcos administration to transform the Pasig River and its banks into a recreational, cultural, and commercial hub that promotes connectivity, tourism, and economic activity.
The project is spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Urban Development under Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, with strong support from the First Lady.
Castro said President Marcos lauded Mrs. Marcos’ hands-on involvement and cultural advocacy, noting that her guidance has helped ensure that the Pasig River redevelopment embodies the nation’s identity and heritage.
“Ayon kay Pangulong Marcos Jr., masugid na nakasubaybay ang Unang Ginang sa pag-unlad ng mahalagang proyekto kagaya ng Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli dahil sa kanyang pagpapahalaga sa kasaysayan at kultura ng bansa,” Castro said.
The President emphasized that the First Lady’s vision has been instrumental in making the Pasig River a vital symbol of the country’s connected national identity.
Integrating environmental restoration, historical conservation, and modern design, the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli project reflects the administration’s broader commitment to livable and inclusive urban development under the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance. | PND
