The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the City of San Juan, and Barangay Batis have officially joined forces through a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to launch the San Juan Urban Renewal Project—a groundbreaking initiative that will transform river easements along the San Juan River into vibrant and sustainable linear parks.
The MOA signing and ceremonial groundbreaking, attended by MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, and Barangay Batis Captain Dino Geneston, marked a strong show of unity and commitment to reimagining urban spaces while addressing environmental challenges.
A Collective Vision for Greener Cities
Mayor Zamora emphasized the importance of collaboration in this initiative.
“This tripartite agreement demonstrates what can be achieved when national, city, and barangay levels work hand-in-hand,” he said. “It’s more than development—it’s about building greener, more livable communities.”
The project is a key component of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) and aims to repurpose underutilized riverbanks into functional green spaces that benefit both people and the environment. It includes measures to improve waste management, reduce flooding, and promote biodiversity through eco-friendly solutions.
Sustainability in Action
According to Chairman Artes, the project will feature sustainable design elements such as rainwater harvesting systems, water filtration mechanisms, and trash traps to help maintain water quality and manage flooding.
“This isn’t just about beautifying the riverbanks—it’s about building climate-resilient cities,” Artes said. “The linear park will become a model for sustainable infrastructure that we hope to replicate across Metro Manila.”
Planned features include landscaped gardens, walkways, and community areas—combining aesthetics with functionality and environmental protection.
Aligned with National Urban Development Goals
The San Juan Urban Renewal Project also complements the national government’s Pasig River Urban Development Project, spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, which seeks to rehabilitate and restore urban waterways across the metro.
MMDA Chairman Artes highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating, “This is a step toward a greener Metro Manila, where urban development goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship.”
Community at the Core
Residents from Barangays Batis and San Perfecto will be active participants in maintaining and managing the new linear park—ensuring the space thrives as a shared community asset.
Congresswoman Bel Zamora affirmed San Juan’s long-term support, saying, “We are committed to sustaining this transformation. This linear park—and many future projects like it—will be cared for and enjoyed by our constituents for years to come.”
A Blueprint for Progress
With construction now underway, the MMDA, San Juan City, and Barangay Batis are hopeful that the project will become a model for other local governments.
“We’re setting the standard for what sustainable urban renewal can look like,” Artes concluded. “This project reflects our shared vision of a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Metro Manila.”
The San Juan Urban Renewal Project represents a bold step forward in inclusive, eco-conscious development—proving that with collaboration and vision, communities can thrive alongside nature.
