The government is doubling down on heritage as an engine of growth, formally launching the second phase of the Chinatown Revitalization Project in Binondo with an eye on tourism receipts and small business expansion.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday, February 13, led the launch of Chinatown Revitalization Phase II in Manila, timed with the 50th anniversary of Philippines–China diplomatic relations. The initiative sharpens the spotlight on Binondo, widely regarded as the world’s oldest Chinatown, and reframes it as a strategic cultural asset rather than a nostalgic footnote.
The upgrades focus on architectural lighting and projection mapping along Ongpin and Escolta Streets, recasting historic façades as nighttime attractions. The policy logic is simple. Brighter streets encourage longer visits. Longer visits translate into higher spending for restaurants, retailers and long established trading houses that anchor the district’s economy.
The effort builds on the restoration of Jones Bridge and aligns with the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli Program, which seeks to revive the Pasig River corridor and energize surrounding enterprises. Improved pedestrian routes now allow visitors to walk from Intramuros across Jones Bridge into Binondo, while enhancements to river transport systems widen access to the area.
Founded in 1594, Binondo has long stood at the intersection of commerce, faith and culture between Filipinos and the Chinese community. That legacy is now being positioned as a competitive advantage in a region where cities vie for tourist spending and investor attention.
The implications are tangible for small and medium enterprises. Increased foot traffic can lift daily sales, extend operating hours and create spillover demand for suppliers and service providers. A revitalized streetscape also signals public sector commitment, which can nudge private capital off the sidelines.
The broader expectation is that cultural tourism can deliver inclusive growth. Unlike large scale industrial projects, heritage districts distribute gains across clusters of family owned shops, eateries and specialty stores.
If executed well, the Binondo revamp could strengthen both identity and income, proving that preservation and profit are not mutually exclusive.
