PASIG RIVER LIGHTHOUSE 1902

The Pasig River Lighthouse was the first light station in the Philippines when it was established in 1642. It was not until over two centuries later that a lighthouse tower would be built on the location by the ruling Spanish government. The first lighthouse tower was erected and later lit on September 1, 1846.

It was then located on the north jetty at the mouth of Pasig River in San Nicolas, Manila, marking the entrance of the river for vessels cruising Manila Bay, looking to dock on the inland Port of Manila that was then located along the banks of the Pasig River in Binondo and Intramuros. The light was a welcoming beacon for all mariners of inter-island vessels entering Pasig River and bringing their vessels up for berthing along its busy wharves.

The Spanish colonial lighthouse was demolished in 1992 for unknown reasons, without regard for its historical significance. A reinforced concrete tower was built on the foundation of the old tower. The present tower is an unpainted gray concrete conical structure which is slightly shorter than the old tower.

The present station does not serve its original function as a lighthouse because it is now obscured from Manila Bay by the much larger Port of Manila and the shantytown community that developed from the reclaimed lands along Manila Bay which is now known as Parola.