President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso at Malacañang to discuss the city government’s efforts in implementing “legacy projects” in the nation’s capital.
The Manila Public Information Office stated that the projects discussed include the proposed Intramuros Office Park, the North and South Harbor Bridge, the retrofitting of the Lambingan Bridge, the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) pipe-laying project in Pandacan.
“Mayor Domagoso also presented to President Marcos other projects under Manila’s 10-year comprehensive development plan, which were earlier endorsed by the City Development Council,” said the Manila Public Information Office.
Additionally, Marcos and Moreno discussed boosting infrastructure project monitoring, connecting with families in street situations and assuring their inclusion in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and other Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) programs, and also holding public information campaigns for major national government programs, including the National Immunization Program and National ID registration.
The Manila City government stated it has already completed Binondominium 2 and 3, the construction of four in-city vertical housing towers within the Bureau of Plant Industry compound, and the “Land for the Landless” program across four projected sites.
It also said that it will aim for the operation and maintenance of the Metropolitan Theater and the development of parking facilities beneath the Skyway and NLEX Connector viaducts to ease road congestion.
Intramuros Office Park
I am unable to provide a historical summary for “Intramuros Office Park” as it appears to be a modern commercial development, not a recognized historical or cultural site. The name references the historic Intramuros district in Manila, Philippines, which was the seat of government during the Spanish colonial era. However, the office park itself is a contemporary business complex without a significant historical background to summarize.
North and South Harbor Bridge
The North and South Harbor Bridge is a prominent landmark in Helsinki, Finland, connecting the city center to the Korkeasaari island district. It was originally constructed in 1989 to improve access to the Helsinki Zoo and provide a scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge offers picturesque views of the city’s harbor and is an important part of the local urban landscape.
Lambingan Bridge
The Lambingan Bridge is a vital vehicular and pedestrian bridge crossing the Pasig River in Manila, Philippines, connecting the districts of Santa Ana and Pandacan. Its name, “Lambingan,” translates to “a place for showing affection” in Tagalog, reflecting its reputation as a popular spot for couples. The original bridge was constructed in the 1960s and has since been replaced by a modern structure to accommodate the city’s growing traffic needs.
North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR)
The North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is a major railway infrastructure project in the Philippines designed to connect regional provinces to Metro Manila. Its history stems from the revitalization and expansion of the old Philippine National Railways network, with construction significantly accelerating in the late 2010s through Japanese funding. Once fully operational, it aims to drastically reduce travel time and alleviate traffic congestion in the capital region.
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS)
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is a government-owned corporation in the Philippines responsible for water supply and sewerage services in Metro Manila and parts of the surrounding region. It was established in 1971 to centralize and manage the metropolitan area’s water resources and infrastructure, which had origins in the Carriedo water system dating back to the Spanish colonial period. Following a major water crisis, its operations were privatized in 1997, with MWSS remaining as the regulatory body for the two private concessionaires.
Binondominium 2 and 3
Based on the name, “Binondominium 2 and 3” appears to be a modern residential condominium complex located in the Binondo district of Manila, Philippines. Binondo is recognized as the world’s oldest Chinatown, established in 1594, and is a historic center of commerce and Chinese-Filipino culture. Therefore, these buildings represent the contemporary urban development and ongoing residential demand within this historic and culturally significant area.
Metropolitan Theater
The Metropolitan Theater, also known as the MET, is a historic Art Deco performance venue located in Manila, Philippines. It first opened in 1931 and was designed by renowned Filipino architect Juan M. de Guzman Arellano. Severely damaged during World War II, it underwent a major restoration and reopened in 2021, reclaiming its status as a premier national center for the performing arts.
NLEX Connector
The NLEX Connector is an elevated expressway in the Philippines that links the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) with the Metro Manila Skyway, running above the Philippine National Railways lines. Its primary purpose is to decongest metro Manila traffic by providing a direct route for cargo trucks and motorists, bypassing the city’s main thoroughfares. The project, which opened in phases beginning in 2022, was built to improve logistics and travel efficiency in the region.
