The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the City of San Juan, and Barangay Batis have officially signed a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the San Juan Urban Renewal Project, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming waterway easements along the San Juan River into vibrant, sustainable linear parks.
The MOA signing and groundbreaking ceremony, led by MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, and Barangay Batis Captain Dino Geneston, underscores the collaborative effort to enhance urban spaces and mitigate environmental challenges.
“This tripartite agreement exemplifies the power of collaboration between national, city, and barangay levels,” San Juan Mayor Zamora stated. “By working together with the MMDA and Barangay Batis, we are creating a sustainable model for urban development that prioritizes both environmental protection and community well-being.”
A Vision for Sustainable Urban Transformation
The San Juan Urban Renewal Project is part of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) and is designed to enhance urban spaces through nature-based solutions.
The initiative will convert unused river easements into functional green spaces, improve solid waste management, and introduce flood control measures to reduce pollution and mitigate urban flooding.
According to MMDA Chairman Artes, the project will incorporate green infrastructure and flood-resilient systems, making it a model for sustainable urban development.
“This project is more than just beautification; it’s a commitment to sustainability. The linear park will feature rainwater harvesting systems, filtration mechanisms, and eco-friendly design elements that will improve water quality and flood management,” MMDA Chairman Artes explained. “This is just the beginning—we aim to implement similar projects throughout Metro Manila as part of a holistic strategy for urban resilience.”
The linear park will feature gardens, walking paths, community spaces, and crucial environmental safeguards such as rainwater harvesting systems and trash traps to prevent waste from entering the San Juan River.
Alignment with National Priorities and Community Engagement
The San Juan Urban Renewal Project aligns with the national government’s Pasig River Urban Development Project, championed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, which aims to restore Metro Manila’s waterways.
“Through this collaborative initiative, we are setting a precedent for sustainable urban planning,” MMDA Chairman Artes emphasized. “We envision a Metro Manila where communities thrive within green, flood-resilient environments.”
Community involvement is paramount to the project’s success. Residents and stakeholders in Barangay Batis and Barangay San Perfecto will play a vital role in maintaining the linear park, ensuring its long-term sustainability and integration into the community.
Congresswoman Bel Zamora reiterated San Juan’s commitment to the project’s long-term sustainability, “San Juan is ready to embrace this transformation. We are committed to ensuring that this linear park, and the many projects to come, will be well-maintained and maximized for the benefit of our constituents”.
A Model for Future Urban Development
With the groundbreaking ceremony initiating construction, the MMDA, San Juan City, and Barangay Batis are optimistic that this project will serve as a blueprint for other cities.
“We hope to see this project serve as a model for other cities,” MMDA Chairman Artes concluded. “By integrating environmental protection, urban design, and flood control, we can create more sustainable and livable communities throughout Metro Manila.”
The San Juan Urban Renewal Project signifies a collective commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future, demonstrating the power of intergovernmental and community collaboration in achieving urban development goals.
