00:00Today, I'm excited to join you all in this historic district of Binondo for the second phase of the Chinatown
00:07revitalization project.
00:10Binondo, founded in 1594, is described as the world's oldest Chinatown.
00:19Beyond its age, what makes this place special is its long story of commerce, faith, and culture between Filipinos and
00:27the Chinese community.
00:29This initiative is all about honoring shared histories and giving the district the much-needed attention and respect that it
00:36deserves.
00:37Last year, phase one of the project restored and illuminated Jones Bridge, turning it once again into an iconic landmark
00:48for the City of Manila.
00:49It also positioned the bridge as a heritage landmark in a nighttime attraction, contributing to the revitalization of the Pasig
00:59River Corridor and promoting cultural tourism.
01:02So, what better way to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year than to build on the progress that we have
01:09made with phase two of this project.
01:12Through architectural lighting and projection mapping, we are giving new life to Binondo's heritage.
01:19In this phase, we will further develop Ongpin Street into a cultural and economic hub and enhance key historical landmarks
01:28with lighting and thematic presentations along Ongpin and Escolta streets.
01:33All of these complement the progress we are making under the Pasig Begyang Buhay Muli program.
01:41From reclaiming public spaces such as Plaza Mexico and expanding pedestrian corridors towards Aroteros Forest Park to modernizing river transport
01:53and clearing at our waterways,
01:55We are restoring life to the river and communities beside it.
02:00Now, people can walk, can jog, or bike from neighboring Intramuros, pass the Manila Central Post Office, cross Jones Bridge,
02:10and arrive here in Binondo.
02:12To further strengthen mobility, we are developing the Pasig River Ferry System to link Manila Bay and Laguna Lake.
02:21This way, Binondo becomes more accessible, more appreciated by more people, especially the younger generation.
02:30These efforts will reinforce the district's historical role as a center of trade, of faith and community, and to support
02:39culture-based tourism and local economic activity.
02:44This project is for the benefit of Chinese Filipinos who call Binondo home, and for every Manilenio who visits and
02:52travels through its busy streets every day.
02:55Moreover, it is for every Filipino, and for anyone who wishes to gain a better understanding of our culture and
03:04our history.
03:05No matter what you are here for, whether you want to taste the best Chinese Filipino cuisine, shop in the
03:13Chinese pharmacies and groceries, go on a photography walk along the district's lively alleys,
03:20Binondo has something in store for you to enjoy.
03:23All of these activities matter because they show our curiosity and appreciation for Binondo.
03:30I believe that the effects of this initiative must remain accessible to all.
03:35Heritage must be something we can all learn from and enjoy, regardless of where we come from or who we
03:42are.
03:43Of course, this project was made possible through the cooperation between the government, the private sector, and the Filipino-Chinese
03:50community.
03:51The outcomes remind us how much we can achieve if we work together to preserve our heritage.
04:00I look forward to the results of this project as we breathe new life into this place,
04:05which becomes a better foundation for a better, more united, Bagong Pilipinas.
04:23You
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