EDITORIAL
Officials of the City of Manila, the nation’s capital, have a great idea. They will close Roxas Blvd. from Padre Burgos Circle to Quirino Avenue every Sunday morning and convert it into a walking street, the kind of carless walking streets we see in Beijing, Shanghai and other key Asian cities.
The objective is to give time and space for city residents to do physical exercises like walking, jogging and biking, without the risk of being hit by passing vehicles.
This is a big game changer for the residents of Malate and Ermita who will be directly benefited by this ordinance. Remember that the residents of Binondo, Tondo, Intramuros and Sta. Cruz already use the area near the Pasig River and the Intramuros-Binondo Bridge which was donated by the Chinese government for this recreational, health and wellness purposes.
When Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan signed Ordinance No. 9047 designating a portion of Roxas Boulevard in Manila closed to motorists every Sunday, starting May 26, the city is in effect implementing a policy that is both pro-environment and pro-health. Of course, the ordinance was pushed to have a very quick passage in the City Council, thanks to the efforts of Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto.
On Sunday mornings, Manilans and even those living outside the city limits but not very far, will be given the opportunity to roam freely and safely, walk, run, jog, bike and exercise. Many will be there just to savor the fresh, clean air from Manila Bay, provided the bay is really clean.
Mayor Honey said the initiative is part of the Move Manila program, that will make Roxas Boulevard partly car-free and promote healthy lifestyles.
“We will make Roxas Boulevard partly car-free starting May 26, Sunday. I personally inspected Roxas Boulevard to make sure the road will be ready for the people who will exercise,” Lacuna-Pangan said.
Mayor Lacuna-Pangan inspected the area for any hazards and instructed concerned city hall departments to ensure the road, sidewalk, bay walk and connecting roads were cleared of hazards and garbage during the implementation of the car-free day.
Residents of Manila and other parts of the National Capital Region can do their physical activities with their families, including children at the stretch of Roxas Boulevard from Padre Burgos Circle to Quirino Avenue from 5 am to 9 am. This effort will need additional tasks for several offices in Manila City Hall.
Several departments and sections will have to notify the buildings, businesses, residents, and offices along Roxas Boulevard and in adjoining areas so they can participate and make the needed adjustments to their Sunday schedules.
The Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) will also issue traffic advisories and guide on the location of water stations, parking areas, and first aid stations.
We also note that Manila’s Ordinance No. 9047 seeks to motivate people to exercise, promote the beauty of the Manila Bay area, and support the continuing order of the Supreme Court for a healthy Manila Bay. It will also encourage the public to appreciate the historical, cultural, and economic significance of Roxas Boulevard.
“People will experience a different perspective of Roxas Boulevard. They will have more time to appreciate its beauty and significance while walking, jogging, running, and biking, instead of the sights going by like a blur while riding any vehicle,” she added.
Nobody can gainsay the truth in what the lady mayor said.
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