NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Pasig City Wins USD 1 Million For Floating Parks From Bloomberg Philanthropies
Photo credit: Pasig PIO
Under the leadership of Mayor Vico Sotto, Pasig has earned global recognition — and a $1 million prize — for an idea that literally floats.
The city emerged as one of 24 winners from 20 countries in the prestigious Bloomberg Philanthropies 2025–2026 Mayors Challenge, a competition spotlighting bold, practical solutions from local governments that improve essential services for residents.
At the heart of Pasig’s winning proposal is the floating parks concept — an innovative plan to create open public spaces on the water while reconnecting Pasigueños to the historic Pasig River.
The $1 Million Prize and What It Means
Along with the $1 million grant, Pasig City will receive expert guidance and additional support to hire dedicated staff who will help turn the floating parks from concept into reality.
The project will be co-designed with residents, ensuring that the parks are accessible, community-centered, and responsive to local needs. Beyond providing new open spaces, the initiative aims to restore the city’s connection to the Pasig River — a waterway rich in cultural and historical significance.
From Prototype to Global Stage
This win didn’t happen overnight.
In September 2025, the Pasig City Government conducted a prototyping day using a barge to test how a floating park would function in real conditions. Community members from four nearby barangays participated, alongside representatives from the national government, non-government organizations, and the private sector.
The feedback and lessons from that prototype helped strengthen Pasig’s final proposal.
Out of more than 630 applications submitted worldwide when the competition launched in late 2024, Pasig first made it to the Top 50 finalists. The city received $50,000 in technical assistance to refine and pilot its idea before submitting its final proposal in late 2025 — which ultimately secured the win.
A Community-Driven Vision
City officials emphasized that the victory marks only the beginning. The floating parks will be planned, built, managed, and operated with active participation from Pasigueños and various sectors of society.
With Mayor Vico Sotto at the helm, Pasig City is once again proving that innovative, people-centered governance can gain global recognition — and more importantly, deliver meaningful change at home.
The city emerged as one of 24 winners from 20 countries in the prestigious Bloomberg Philanthropies 2025–2026 Mayors Challenge, a competition spotlighting bold, practical solutions from local governments that improve essential services for residents.
At the heart of Pasig’s winning proposal is the floating parks concept — an innovative plan to create open public spaces on the water while reconnecting Pasigueños to the historic Pasig River.
The $1 Million Prize and What It Means
Along with the $1 million grant, Pasig City will receive expert guidance and additional support to hire dedicated staff who will help turn the floating parks from concept into reality.
The project will be co-designed with residents, ensuring that the parks are accessible, community-centered, and responsive to local needs. Beyond providing new open spaces, the initiative aims to restore the city’s connection to the Pasig River — a waterway rich in cultural and historical significance.
From Prototype to Global Stage
This win didn’t happen overnight.
In September 2025, the Pasig City Government conducted a prototyping day using a barge to test how a floating park would function in real conditions. Community members from four nearby barangays participated, alongside representatives from the national government, non-government organizations, and the private sector.
The feedback and lessons from that prototype helped strengthen Pasig’s final proposal.
Out of more than 630 applications submitted worldwide when the competition launched in late 2024, Pasig first made it to the Top 50 finalists. The city received $50,000 in technical assistance to refine and pilot its idea before submitting its final proposal in late 2025 — which ultimately secured the win.
A Community-Driven Vision
City officials emphasized that the victory marks only the beginning. The floating parks will be planned, built, managed, and operated with active participation from Pasigueños and various sectors of society.
With Mayor Vico Sotto at the helm, Pasig City is once again proving that innovative, people-centered governance can gain global recognition — and more importantly, deliver meaningful change at home.
Feb 25, 2026
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