Housing czar Jose Rizalino Acuzar on Sunday vowed to protect the world-renowned charm of the “walled city” of Intramuros amid the Pasig River urban development project.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Inter-agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD) committed to keep the cultural heritage of the Walled City untouched throughout construction around the area as part of Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli project.
“One of the instructions of the First Lady and the President is to protect the cultural heritage ng Intramuros,” Acuzar said.
In February, construction work on the multi-phased transformation of Pasig River into a center for tourism and economic activity extended to the Intramuros area weeks after the successful inauguration of the showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Marcos.
Intramuros is home to world-renowned landmarks, such as Fort Santiago, the San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral for their Spanish colonial era structures, cobblestoned streets and horse-drawn carriages.
Acuzar envisioned the completion of the Pasig River rehabilitation project to add value to tourism in the nation’s capital.
The DHSUD is closely coordinating with the National Commission for Cultural and the Arts to ensure the preservation and protection of the renowned Walled City.
The revitalization project was the result of Executive Order No. 35, issued by the President in July 2023 that established IAC-PRUD to “transform Pasig River back into historically pristine condition conducive to transport, recreation and tourism.”