First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos on Tuesday led the ceremonial turnover of newly constructed vendor kiosks at the Pasig River Esplanade, providing livelihood opportunities and marking another milestone in the administration’s efforts to revive the historic waterway.
The project is part of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project, a flagship initiative of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that seeks to transform the 25-kilometer riverfront into a vibrant hub for culture, leisure, and tourism.
During the ceremony, 47 kiosks and 18 chambers with 22 businesses were formally turned over to vendors, providing new livelihood opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In total, 80 kiosks will be put up along the riverwalk, hosting a variety of enterprises including food stalls, grooming and salon services, novelty and flower shops, and outlets for local crafts.
Made of wood and steel, the kiosks come in 2×2-foot and 2×3-foot sizes, replacing the temporary pop-up tents, which were previously set up along the riverbank. The kiosks aim to provide vendors with safer, more durable, and well-organized commercial spaces.
Located along the Intramuros stretch of the Pasig River Esplanade, the kiosks complement the completed riverbank walkway from Fort Santiago to Jones Bridge and are expected to cater to thousands of visitors daily.
The vendor kiosk project is spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady, in coordination with the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Rehabilitation, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Intramuros Administration, with Megaworld Corporation providing technical assistance during the initial phase of commercial operations.
Beyond promoting commerce and tourism, the project also shows the administration’s commitment to preserve the Pasig River through improved waste management systems.
To ensure cleanliness, the esplanade implements a “clean-as-you-go” policy with proper waste segregation and disposal systems.
The Pasig River Esplanade is open to the public daily from Monday to Sunday, with commercial operations running from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight. | PND
