A majority of Filipinos do not own cars, yet throughout the country, active transport modes like walking and cycling remain largely impractical and unsafe. This is a transportation paradox that the Philippines is facing. This stark reality highlights the urgent need for a transformation in our approach to urban planning and infrastructure development.

The Current State of Active Transport

Active transport is a term used to describe the movement of people or goods that is powered by human activity, rather than a motor.

The current state of active transport in the Philippines is riddled with challenges:

• Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of dedicated bike lanes, safe pedestrian crossings, and supportive facilities like bike parking and showers discourage active commuting.
• Unsafe Conditions: Poorly maintained sidewalks, uneven pavements, road hazards, and inadequate lighting create a hostile environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Car-Centric Design: Transport corridors are primarily designed to accommodate private vehicles, neglecting the needs of pedestrians and cyclists.
• Climate Vulnerability: Lack of shade and weather protection makes active transport uncomfortable and even dangerous in the Philippine climate.

Despite these challenges, the vision for Philippines 2050 calls for a transportation system that is accessible, safe, sustainable, and people-centric. This means prioritizing active transport as a viable and desirable mode of commuting.

The Call for Action:  Turning Vision into Reality

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The Philippines has long struggled with a fragmented and reactive approach to urban planning, often favoring short-term fixes over sustainable, long-term solutions. Since the 1970s, Architect Palafox has been an advocate for active transportation, which is commonly referred to as walking and cycling. Reflecting this commitment, the following design and planning principles are consistently applied at PALAFOX:

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• “Those with less in wheels should have more in roads.” – Architect Palafox
• One-third of the road transport corridor should be allotted to people (pedestrians and cyclists), one-third for trees and landscaping, and one-third for moving traffic. 
• The order of prioritization for transportation is: 1) pedestrians, 2) cyclists, 3) public transportation, and then 4) private transportation

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In 2022, Architect Palafox was hired by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as a consultant for the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028. His expertise contributed to Chapter 12: “Expanding and Upgrading Infrastructure,” which focuses on the critical need for enhanced physical and digital connectivity across the country.

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Building on this work, we are proud to announce that PALAFOX has been engaged by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to complete the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan. This initiative aims to promote sustainable mobility by integrating walking, cycling, and other active transport solutions into the country’s infrastructure.

The Vision for Philippines 2050

The Philippines has developed into a nation with a globally competitive workforce across various industries. Yet, when these individuals return home, they are often met with a transportation system that fails to adequately support their basic needs as pedestrians. This disconnect highlights a crucial gap in our infrastructure and urban planning.

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The formulation of the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP) is a proactive step towards addressing this long-neglected issue. 

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It is of paramount importance to the Government to achieve its goals to provide comfortable, accessible, safe, sustainable, and affordable transportation, as well as transforming the country's transportation system on par with global standards. 

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The project shall serve as the core strategic framework for the development of high-quality active transportation systems in the Philippines. The ATSMP is envisioned to serve as a guide in the rational development, planning, investment programming, evaluation, and implementation of active transport networks around the country for national government agencies and local government units.

Study Area Coverage:

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The ATSMP shall cover the pilot areas of the National Capital Region (NCR), Puerto Princesa, Iloilo City, Zamboanga City, Surigao City, and City of Mati (Davao Oriental). The study area may also encompass other municipalities' areas adjacent to the identified urban areas to define coherent geographic clusters in terms of mobility.

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The study area coverage shall demonstrate the replicability of the study outputs across the entire country. Local Government Units (LGUs) outside the study area should be able to apply the developed frameworks, methodologies, guidebooks, designs, and other outputs, regardless of variations in local contexts.

Objectives of the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan

The Active Transport Strategic Master Plan is a transformative initiative designed to reshape urban mobility in the Philippines, promote sustainability, and create vibrant, people-centered communities. Here are its key objectives:

1. Develop an Integrated Active Transport Network:
   Provide a rational, data-driven framework for the development of active transport networks across the country. This network will form part of an integrated system of intermodal sub-systems, aligned with local, regional, and national development goals to ensure cohesive, sustainable mobility planning.
2. Mainstream Active Transport:
   Establish walking, cycling, and other active transport modes as mainstream travel options. Institutional arrangements at both national and local levels will be strengthened to fully support the shift toward active mobility.
3. Promote Sustainable Urban Mobility:
   Drive a modal shift from private vehicles to active transport and public mass transit systems, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, close last-mile connectivity gaps between residential areas and key destinations, and encourage healthier lifestyles for all.
4. Create People-Centric and Inclusive Spaces:
   Transform urban areas into vibrant, inclusive, and equitable environments where active transport is safe, accessible, and sustainable. This includes enhancing livability for all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status, age, gender, or mobility impairment.
5. Enhance Walkability and Bikeability:
   Improve walking and cycling infrastructure to support sustainable urban planning, enhance property values, and drive positive impacts on spatial planning across diverse development contexts.
6. Boost Economic Opportunities:
   Unlock economic growth potential, especially in municipalities with lower-income demographics, by expanding tourism, commercial activities, and supplementary revenue opportunities tied to active transport systems.
7. Support LGUs and Agencies in Implementation:
   Facilitate an integrated process to assist local government units (LGUs) and implementing agencies in evaluating active transport infrastructure projects. This includes guiding the planning, programming, and development of active transport plans and projects to ensure seamless execution.

The Challenge to Our Leaders

With decades of experience in urban planning and a proven track record of delivering visionary and sustainable solutions, PALAFOX is committed to shaping a future where cities and communities are designed for people, connectivity, and progress. The challenges may be significant, and it requires strong leadership, commitment, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.  We need leaders who prioritize the well-being of people and the planet, who understand that investing in active transport is an investment in a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable future.

Leaders in both the private and government sectors play a crucial role in turning these plans into reality, but their success also depends on the collective effort of all Filipinos. For most of us, our role is to keep an open mind, understanding that while the process of transformation might be challenging and even painful, it is ultimately for a better, more sustainable future.

Beyond that, we have a responsibility to hold our leaders accountable — not just for initiating these projects, but for ensuring their long-term implementation and success. We share this news with everyone because transparency and public engagement are vital in making sure these visions are realized, no matter how far along in the future they may be. 

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