The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is pushing for the use of personal mobility devices such as bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, other non-motorized vehicles – even walking – as part of the advocacy for sustainable transportation.
During the Asia and the Pacific Transport Forum organized by Asian Development Bank (ADB), DOTr Assistant Secretary Leonel De Velez said the agency is focused on providing commuters with alternative modes of transportation especially those that address climate resiliency and climate mitigation.
“The main choice is active transport (cycling)—not just here in NCR but also other parts of the country,” De Velez said.
He cited the EDSA Greenways Project – complementing Active Transport – as a form of climate mitigation, promoting walking along stretches of Metro Manila’s main highway.
Other climate resiliency and climate mitigation efforts include jeepney modernization, EVs (electric vehicles), electric trains, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), crew training on use of methanol for sea vessels, solar panels for airport terminals, hybrid ferry boats (along Pasig River) and more.
“Climate resilience and climate mitigation have been at the top of the DOTr’s mind. This is part of our thrust to have a more affordable, accessible, sustainable and affordable transportation system,” Velez said.
Underscoring the role of sustainability in harmonizing the country’s transport ecosystem, he added, “What the DOTr is doing for the last couple of months and what we are going to be doing over the entry couple of years is we are re-balancing and diversifying our portfolio of transportation projects of the last six years.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently announced the national government will prioritize active transport by creating facilities such as “safe walkways and secured bike lanes to promote healthier and more sustainable modes of travel.”
Active transport – DOTr points out – complies with the provisions of the National Transport Policy, Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
Under the NTP and PDP, pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles are accorded highest priority in the hierarchy of road users. It also mandates government to prioritize the development of active transport infrastructure.