Once the lifeblood of Manila’s urban development and a cradle of Tagalog civilization, the Pasig River today stands as a stark symbol of environmental neglect and urban fragmentation. Yet, it also holds the potential to be reimagined as a catalyst for sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready urban transformation. This research presents a comprehensive overview of the Pasig River’s historical significance, current challenges, and its envisioned future as articulated by the Pasig River Urban Development (PRUD) Project—a flagship initiative committed to redefining the river’s role in the life of the city.

The PRUD Project is a multi-dimensional program spearheaded by the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD), a national government initiative implemented through the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). In collaboration with WTA Architecture and Design Studio and PGAA Creative Design, PRUD brings together key national agencies, urban planners, and designers in a concerted effort to deliver a bold, forward-looking vision for the revitalization of the river and its surrounding communities.

Despite its historical centrality, the Pasig River today suffers from decades of ecological degradation, disconnected infrastructure, and pronounced social inequality, including the widespread presence of informal settlements along its banks. While numerous rehabilitation attempts have been made, many lacked coherence and long-term impact. As a result, the river remains one of the most polluted in the world—particularly in terms of plastic waste discharged into marine ecosystems.

In direct response to these persistent challenges, PRUD advances a holistic urban development strategy grounded in three key pillars:

• Urban strategies prioritize dignified in-city housing and enhanced mobility, including ferry terminals, transit-oriented nodes, and walkable infrastructure that link communities without displacing them.

• Community initiatives activate the riverbanks as vibrant public spaces through civic programs, art installations, local markets, and cultural events that foster a renewed sense of place and belonging.

• Environmental components aim to restore the river’s ecological integrity through nature-based solutions, watershed-level sanitation, green infrastructure, and climate-adaptive systems that build resilience over time.

A defining feature of PRUD is the segmentation of the 27-kilometer river into nine strategic sections. This approach enables tailored interventions, localized investments, and more effective stakeholder coordination—recognizing that each stretch of the river presents unique spatial, social, and ecological conditions.

This segmented strategy is already bearing fruit. In 2024, the completion of the initial phases of the Pasig River Esplanade in Segment 2 marked a significant milestone. Designed as a continuous, walkable, and shaded public realm, the esplanade has quickly become a well-used space for leisure, movement, and community interaction—offering a glimpse into the transformative potential of the broader PRUD vision.

Ultimately, the PRUD Project aspires to restore the Pasig River not only as an ecological resource but as a shared civic infrastructure—an accessible, inclusive, and connected urban corridor that supports climate resilience, cultural vitality, and social equity for generations to come.