Moving more people through water transport

THE Pasig River, a hundred years ago, was the main transport system of everyone who lived in ancient Manila. In the morning, fresh fruits, fish, and pots were sold by merchants along the river banks. In the evening, lanterns of short wooden boats must have illuminated its waters. The colors and life of the Pasig River are now kept alive only in old paintings, pictures, and literature.

In the battle of Manila in 1571, arms were ferried through the Pasig River coming from the nearby provinces. In the 19th century, the officers in Fort Santiago had also used the river as escape routes. The Tagalogs or “river dwellers” especially made use of the water transport. Through the river, life and culture flourished.