BACOLOD City – The city government is pushing to institutionalize the implementation of car-free Sundays in the city.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), during its regular session on Wednesday, June 5, approved on first reading the proposed Car-Free Sundays Ordinance of Bacolod City.
Councilor Celia Flor, author of the proposed ordinance, said in order to promote sustainable transportation, enhance public health, and foster community engagement, there is a need to establishment a “no car Sunday” in the city .
Reducing vehicular traffic can significantly lower air pollution levels, thereby improving air quality and contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment, she said.
She added that creating car-free zones encourages alternative modes of transportation such as walking and biking, which are environmentally friendly and help reduce the city’s carbon footprint.
Earlier, the Bacolod Traffic Authority Council (BTAC) approved a resolution on the implementation of car-free Sundays beginning June 9.
BTAC said from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. every Sunday, vehicles are prohibited along the 1.2-kilometer stretch of Lacson Street, or from Ramos North Drive to South Capitol Road.
For his part, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said this will be a big contribution to minimize the effects of climate change.
This aims to protect the environment by promoting good air quality; create greater public awareness of the benefits of walking, jogging, running, and cycling as sustainable ways to travel; to encourage constituents to move more and be active physically; and engage in age and health appropriate regular exercises.
The program, Mayor Benitez said, is also aligned with the Philippine National Guidelines on Physical Activity (PNGPA) published in 2010 by the Department of Health (DOH)./PN
