Cebu, Iloilo ‘thought leaders’ to be honored
Efforts to promote road sharing for pedestrians, environment-friendly transport, and bike lanes will be recognized by the Office of the President in the launch of the Bayanihan sa Daan Awards at Malacañan Palace on Nov. 27.
Honorees from across the country include individuals, groups and local officials from Cebu.
The event will recognize “thought leaders of the road sharing movement” in Cebu, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Davao, Vigan City in Ilocos Norte, and Marikina and Pasig in Metro Manila, said environment lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr., convenor of the Bayanihan sa Daan. (English translation: cooperative heroism).
“On this occasion, the Filipino people, joined by the Office of the President and national and international organizations, will recognize you for being the catalyst and active participation in advocating the transformation of Cebu City into a wholesome, livable and friendly human community,” stated in the letter to the Movement for a Livable Cebu (MLC).
Others to be honored are Mega Cebu (Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board), Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Councilor Nida Cabrera, who authored the bike lane ordinance in Cebu City and Citom executive director Rafael Yap.
Private individuals include movers of the Road Revolution lawyer Tara Rama, Vince Cinches, architects Yumi Espina and Joy Onozawa, who developed the Green Loop plan, environmental lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos and bike enthusiast Ryan “Rye Kido” Noval.
Also cited was Cebuano inventor Brian Cabajar Yuson, president and chief executive officer of Saint James Academy of Skills Inc., who designed a railway car powered by a combination of solar, wind and pedal-pushed energy.
Cebu Daily News will also be recognized for its support in disseminating information on the road sharing movement.
The Bayanihan sa Daan was described a “uniquely Filipino approach to a transport revolution, urban sanity and the climate crisis”.
The letter was signed by Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, Oposa and Durwood Zaelke, president of the Washington-based Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development.
The first salvo of the Road Revolution was done in Cebu City in 2011 when Osmeña Boulevard was closed off to major traffic for a day to allow pedestrians to use the entire length.
After that, other initiatives for greener transport took place in other parts of the country.
Last Oct. 29, the Cebu City Council approved the bike lane ordinance or Tindak Sugbo Lanes Ordinance authored by Councilor Cabrera. A board will be created to identify the roads for shared use of bikes and pedestrianized vehicles.
Iloilo Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog and Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III will receive the award that recognizes the Esplanade, a riverside park and walk path beside the Iloilo river.
Mabilog said the project made Iloilo City beautiful, walkable and bikeable, a best practice that can be replicated in other cities.
Iloilo City is also cited for its trailblazing efforts to build safe bike lanes and walkways along the Diversion and Circumferential roads.
“Most of all, Iloilo has shown the country and the world how ugly highways symbolic of an unsustainable mindset can be transformed into beautiful roads that are meant for beautiful people,” the organizers said.
In an interview, Oposa said the event scheduled at 9 a.m. In Kalayaan Hall in Malacanan Palace “will recognize the thought leaders and encourage them to move further forward.”
“People learn by example and these leaders have set their examples. These are the people who went out of their way to change society’s behavior. They have to be recognized for their courage, boldness and their efforts in pushing for urban sanity,” he added.
Baynihan sa Daan was described as a cooperative undertaking of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection, Climate Change Commission, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources, Dept. of Transportation and Communications, Dept. of Public Works and Highways, International Center for Environmental Compliance, Partnership for Clearn Air, Clean Asia, National Bicycle Organization, Share the Road Movement, Firefly Brigade, Inclusive Mobility, Environmental Law Society (San Beda College), and civil society.