Manila City Ordinance No. 9047 promoting health and wellness and introducing a pollution-free fitness program in the city by making both lanes of Roxas Boulevard ‘car-free’ during early Sunday mornings in what would be known as ‘Move Manila Program’ was signed into law by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna.
Apart from Councilor Philip Lacuna who authored the ordinance, also present during the signing done in the mayor’s office yesterday were Vice Mayor Yul Servo who is also Council Presiding Officer, (from left) City Engineer Armand Andres, Manila Sports Council chief Roel de Guzman, Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau chief Dennis Viaje, City Electrician Randy Sadac, Secretary to the Mayor Marlon Lacson, Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office Director Arnel Angeles, Chief of Staff Joshue Santiago, department of public services head Nicole Kayle Amurao, Manila Police District Director Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay and Special Mayor’s Reaction Team chief Maj. Emmark Dave Apostol.
Councilor Philip Lacuna said his ordinance aims to promote health and wellness and introduce a pollution-free fitness program in the city.
He said that the re-routing of traffic flow on affected areas during the time of closure will be carefully planned and managed by the appropriate agencies to ensure the commuters of continued timely travel and efficient delivery of goods and services without delay.
Light motor vehicles, he said, may be diverted to the parallel service roads along Roxas Boulevard and other side streets, while heavy motor vehicles may be rerouted to nearby main thoroughfares such as Taft Avenue while medical emergency first responders and hydration stations shall be deployed at strategic locations along Roxas Boulevard for the well-being of program participants and the general public participating in the activities.
Necessary waste management measures shall be implemented before and after each event to ensure a waste-free and healthy environment for the conduct of the program activities,” Councilor Philip said.
The mayor said that under the ordinance, both lanes of Roxas Boulevard from Padre Burgos Streeet to Quirino Avenue in Manila will be closed to traffic and declared ‘car-free’ from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. starting May 26 and every Sunday thereafter, to give way to Manilans who want to engage in physical activities or exercise by walking, jogging, running, roller skating or biking.
“The city of Manila recognizes the importance of physical activities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among its constituents while in harmony with the natural and man-made environment in the city,” she said.
“Our car-free Sundays will be different from others like it because our venue is Roxas Boulevard, the most beautiful and historic boulevard in the country. We inspected Roxas Boulevard to ensure that the road will be safe for all,” Mayor Honey said.
Based, among others, on Section 21 (a) of the Local Government Code of 1991 which states that a local government unit may, pursuant to an ordinance, permanently or temporarily close or open any local road, alley, park, or square falling within its jurisdiction, Councilor Philip stressed that among the benefits of the ordinance areincreased physical activity, reduced air pollution exposure, improved mental well-being, lowered risk of chronic diseases and enhanced community engagement.
