PBBM declares last working day of Nov. as ‘National Bike-to-Work Day’

FILE: MORNING RIDE. Cyclists cruise the bike lane along the banks of Marikina River Park in Marikina City on Thursday morning (March 17, 2022). People take advantage of the fair weather to ride their bikes. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared the last working day of November as “National Bike-to-Work Day” to raise public awareness of the viability of cycling as a mode of transportation and promote active transport in the Philippines.

Proclamation 409, inked by Marcos on Nov. 28 and made public on Wednesday night, cites the need to make cycling a mainstream mode of transportation, and further improve cycling infrastructure in the Philippines.

“The post-pandemic ‘New Normal’ requires the adoption of measures to enable safe, independent, physically-distanced travel, especially for essential workers, so that the country is better prepared in the event of another health emergency,” the proclamation read.

“The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 underscores the need to develop active transport network, and accord highest priority to pedestrians and cyclists in the hierarchy of road users.”

Under Proclamation 409, the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group on Active Transport (IATWG-AT) of the Department of Health (DOH) is designated to lead, coordinate, and supervise the observance of “National Bike-to-Work Day.”

The IATWG-AT is also mandated to identify the programs, projects, and activities for the annual celebration, as well as coordinate with relevant non-government organizations and civil society groups.

All other national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges, are directed to provide the necessary assistance and support to the DOH and the IATWG-AT for the effective implementation of the proclamation.

Local government units and the private sector are encouraged to support the yearly celebration of the “National Bike-to-Work Day.

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Republic Act (RA) 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act provides that the State must ensure a balance between development and environmental protection, and maintain a quality of air that protects human health and welfare.

RA 8749 also encourages non-motorized transportation.

The 1987 Constitution also declares it a policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.