We Need Walkable Cities In The Philippines

A climate change mitigation report recently released by the United Nations called for immediate systemic and transformative actions to cut carbon emissions by having more walkable cities.

According to a study by the Department of Economic And Social Affairs of the United Nations, walkable cities can help reduce local pollution, congestion, and carbon emissions in highly urbanized areas. 

The study also revealed that walkable cities create more opportunities for communities to develop; for people to spend time on the streets; and for businesses and tourism to flourish. 

In the Philippines,  congested urban centers need to be converted into walkable and pedestrian-safe cities, especially in facing issues such as fuel price hikes and climate crises.

According to the Department of Finance (DOF), the local government units (LGUs) also play a key role in creating green, safe, walkable, and pedestrian-friendly public spaces in their respective communities.

In April 2021, the Green EDSA Movement set an example for LGUs and other sectors by spearheading the ‘green’ makeover of  EDSA in line with the celebration of Earth Day.

This project was supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to help build safe and disaster-resilient elevated walkways for pedestrians.

Other examples of municipalities rebooting the public transport sector by prioritizing cycling and pedestrian needs. In the 2020 and 2021 Mobility Awards, Iloilo City, Pasig City, Mandaue City, San Juan City, Marikina City, and Naga City prioritized inclusive mobility by setting up active transport (cycling and walking) infrastructure.

“We know that cycling is not only good for our health in terms of exercise, but in the case of Mandaue, where transport is the highest contributor to our greenhouse gas, the introduction of the bike network will help us reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. And, as the pandemic showed, it was the most convenient way of moving around when public transport is limited,” Mayor Jonas Cortes said as he received the 2022 Most Bike-Friendly City (silver) award for Mandaue City.

Through the Mobility Awards, the involvement of the private sector was recognized. Businesses like SM Masinag, Cebu Business Park, and Robinsons Antipolo supported civic and government initiatives through awareness-building and providing the necessary end-of-trip facilities needed by consumers and employees alike.

According to The City at Eye Level, walkability is one signifier that a city’s quality of public walking infrastructure is accessible, safe, connected, comfortable, and attractive.

Walkability is a reflection of a city’s quality of life in terms of sustainability, liveability, and health, especially, in Asian towns and countries where 54% of the world’s urban population resides.

In 2021, the Philippines signed its first National Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as part of its commitment to the Paris Agreement. to reach a 75% greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction and avoidance by 2030.

Sources: Manila Bulletin, The City At Eye Level, Manila Bulletin