Manila: First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has inspected the Pasig River Esplanade as part of preparations for the Philippines' hosting of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chairship. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Araneta-Marcos said the visit aimed to make the area cleaner, more sanitary, and more welcoming for the more than 10,000 people who pass through the esplanade daily.

According to Philippines News Agency, Araneta-Marcos emphasized that the Pasig River is a permanent feature of the landscape and underscored the nation's responsibility to maintain its cleanliness and sustainability. She mentioned plans to replace scattered tents with uniform vendor booths to enhance orderliness and cleanliness. These booths will be equipped with amenities like sinks, mini refrigerators, and microwaves to provide vendors with sanitary and dignified workspaces.

Additionally, Araneta-Marcos announced the launch of a 'Clean As You Go' program aimed at encouraging the public to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste. She highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in caring for the Pasig River. The enhancements at the Pasig River Esplanade are slated for completion by late January.

As part of the country's preparations for ASEAN 2026, Araneta-Marcos also visited the Coconut Palace and the Likhang Filipino Center in Pasay City on Monday.