Road sharing pioneers honored in Malacañang

Cebuanos, including members of the Movement for a Livable Cebu, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, City Councilor Nida Cabrera, the Mega Cebu movement, and stakeholders in the first 2011 Road Revolution, formed the biggest delegation in the launch of the Bayanihan sa Daan awards in Malacañan Palace. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BY ERWIN HUSMALAGA/ CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION)

Pioneers in the road sharing campaign across the country were recognized by the Office of the President last Thursday.

In a program at the Kalayaan Hall of Malacañan Palace, civil society groups, individuals and cities of Cebu, Iloilo, Vigan in Ilocos Sur, and Marikina and Pasig in Metro Manila were honored as “heroes” in leading bold reforms in transportation to promote pedestrian-friendly communities and pollution-free, sustainable transportation.

The gathering also launched the Bayanihan sa Daan Awards or the 2015 Philippine Walkable and Bikeable Communities Awards.

“Because of all of you,  we (in the government) are inspired to review our environment laws and how they are implemented. This is the true spirit of heroism and we are all gathered here in this very historic Kalayaan Hall,” said Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection Neric Acosta.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources announced that it is looking into including bike lanes as a requirement for the issuance of Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC) in road projects.

“We are proposing the construction of a four-meter sidewalk and a four-meter bike lane or at least half of road space devoted to non-motorized transport before an ECC is issued to any new road project.  This will apply to all ECCs to be granted for new subdivision projects,” according to a statement of Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.

The policy change was announced by DENR Undersecretary and Environment Management Board Director Jonas Leones.

“We have to promote non-motorized transportation. In our new EIA system, no development in the Philippine road network should be done if there is no allotted space for biking and space for pedestrian,” Leones said.

He said an air quality survey showed that air in Metro Manila has an average of more than 130 micrograms of suspended particulates per cubic meter which is way above the standard 90  micrograms.

“We have reached a crisis. We are in a bad shape… Only two percent of the population own motor vehicles yet they are prioritized in the road. We do not want to change the road, we want to have a change in mindset and achieve social change,” said environment lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr. , convenor of the Bayanihan sa Daan Awards.

Yeb Sano of the Climate Change Commission said the purpose of the awards was to inspire.

“If I may borrow Atty. Oposa’s words, true democracy is reflected in the width of your sidewalk. The Filipino spirit is truly inspiring. There is no better way to appreciate the country but by walking through the country,” Sano said.

Senators Loren Legarda and Franklin Drilon among other mayors and vice mayors of LGUs awarded attended the event.

The biggest delegation came from Cebu City, where the opening salvo fo a “Road Revolution” took place in June 12, 2011, when Osmeña Boulevard was closed for a day to allow pedestrians and bikers to enjoy the road.

The Green Loop  Experiment carried out by the Movement for a Livable Cebu with Mayor Michael Rama’s approval also took place last Sept. 28 which provided “proof of concept” for road sharing. The Cebu City Council approved the bike lane ordinance or Tindak Sugbo Lanes ordinance, which will create a board that will identify roads for shared use of bikes.

Pasig City now has four streets that are “car-free” on Sundays.  Iloilo City’s riverside Esplanade is a model for a lovely park and promenade.

Marikina City  was the first to organize bike lanes in the country.

Vigan Citywas cited as the first city to completely pedestrianize one street, its internationally known Calle Crisologo.

Other awardees from Cebu City were Cebu Daily News, the Mega Cebu Movement represented by Roberto Aboitiz, bike advocate Ryan Noval, architect Joseph Michael Espina, environment and urban planner Ma. Lourdes Onozawa, lawyer Tara Rama, environmental architect Dana Jane Rojonan, environment lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Eric Smith of MLC youth, Vince Cinches, and Genevieve Tabada.

Cebu Daily News’ Publisher Eileen Mangubat and Senior Reporter Marian Z. Codilla receive the Bayanihan sa Daan recognition for Cebu Daily News. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/ RUDY ALIX)

Mega Cebu and Movement for a Livable Cebu (MLC) receive their plaque of recognition from the Office of the President for their contribution in the call to to make bold reforms in transportation and promoting pedestrian-friendly communities. (CDN PHOTO/ MARIAN Z. CODILLA)

Also recognized were Martin Alfaro and Brian Yuson for creating a solar and wind-powered vehicle, Romeo Armamento, a jeepney operator who helped mobilize in the road sharing activity, Edwin Castillon, Maritoni Corominas, mother and daughter tandem for raising awareness in schools, Dorothy and Nicole Ring, Randolph Su for engaging and coordinating outdoor-related sports activities during the campaign.

Mayor Rama, Cebu City Councilor Nida Cabrera, Citom executive officer Raffy Yap, and Lahug barangay captain Jovito Taborada were also recognized for their support in the cause.

Other civil society and non-government organizations and individuals were recognized from cities of Ilo-ilo, Vigan, Dumaguete, Davao, Palawan, Marikina City, Pasig City, and other parts of Metro Manila.