MANILA — Pasig City, under the leadership of Mayor Vico Sotto, has been named one of the global winners of the Bloomberg Philanthropies 2025–2026 Mayors Challenge, securing a $1 million grant to fund its innovative floating parks project. 

The announcement was made on February 24, with Pasig emerging as the only Philippine city among the 24 winners selected from more than 630 applicants worldwide.

The initiative, called “Hope Floats,” envisions the creation of barge-based floating parks along the Pasig River and its tributaries. These parks are designed to transform underutilized waterways into vibrant community spaces, reconnecting residents with the river while promoting environmental sustainability. 

During the finalist phase of the competition, Pasig City successfully tested prototypes of the floating parks, which impressed evaluators for their novelty and potential impact.

Mayor Sotto emphasized that the project is not only about beautification but also about reclaiming public spaces and addressing urban challenges. 

Bloomberg Philanthropies noted that winners were chosen based on the creativity of their ideas, their feasibility, and their ability to deliver measurable benefits to residents. 

The grant will provide both funding and operational support to scale up the floating parks initiative.

Pasig’s victory is particularly significant given that 25 Philippine cities joined the Mayors Challenge, with Naga City and Cauayan City also advancing to the global top 50 finalists. However, Pasig stood out for its bold approach to reimagining urban spaces and tackling environmental issues.

With this $1 million grant, Pasig City is set to accelerate the development of its floating parks, positioning itself as a model for innovative urban governance in the Philippines and beyond. 

The project is expected to serve over 800,000 residents and contribute to the broader effort of revitalizing the Pasig River as a central feature of city life.