As the multi-year project continues to take shape.
On Tuesday, January 27, the newly constructed vendor kiosks at the Pasig River Esplanade in Manila were officially in the turned over by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, one of the key officials leading the said project.
During the ceremony, 47 kiosks and 18 chambers with 22 businesses were formally turned over to vendors. These spots provide new livelihood opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Eventually, the kiosks will be increased to 80 units in the coming days, with businesses like food stalls, grooming and salon services, novelty and flower shops, and outlets for local crafts.
These kiosks, wuich come in 2×2-foot and 2×3-foot sizes, are made of wood and steel and will replace the temporary pop-up tents that were previously set up along the riverbank when it first opened to the public.
These also aim to provide vendors with safer, more durable, and well-organized commercial spaces.
Loxated along the Intramuros stretch of the Pasig River Esplanade, the kiosks also complement the completed riverbank section between Fort Santiago and Jones Bridge.
To ensure cleanliness, the esplanade is also implementing a “clean-as-you-go” policy with proper waste segregation and disposal systems, which show the government said shows its “commitment to preserve the Pasig River through improved waste management 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.
This project is part of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project, a flagship program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the capital, which seeks to transform the 25-kilometer riverfront into a vibrant culture, leisure, and tourism hub.
The vendor kiosk project was undertaken by the Office of the First Lady in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Rehabilitation, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Intramuros Administration.
From the private sector, Megaworld Corporation also provided technical assistance during the initial phase of commercial operations.