The Department of Health in a statement recently expressed support for active transport because of their positive effect on health and the environment, giving hope to advocates of biking and walking.
“The appropriation and investment of more than P5 billion in the planning and implementation of active transport infrastructure is welcome progress, as active transport can mitigate the increase of non-communicable disease (NCD) conditions like diabetes and obesity, provide resilience to instability in fossil fuel prices, and empower Filipinos to pursue sustainable lifestyles against climate change,” DOH said.
It noted that around 1.35 million people die worldwide due to road crashes and another 50 million are injured annually, making road safety not just a national issue but also a worldwide concern.
Based on DOH data, road crashes are the leading cause of death worldwide for children aged 5 to 14 and young adults between 15 and 29 years old. It said that around 12,000 Filipinos die yearly due to road crashes, a figure that has steadily increased in the last decade.
In 2023, 31.1 percent of the reported injuries were due to transport or vehicular crashes. The DOH noted as “even more alarming” the consistent upward trend in the number of road crash incidents as motor vehicle usage and ownership increased.
Citing the World Health Organization, it said road infrastructure has traditionally focused on motorized transport and economic efficiency but not so much on safety, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists, and commuters.
“Road infrastructure and urban planning that place pedestrian and cyclist safety first are among the most cost-effective interventions for better road safety outcomes,” it said. “This not only reduces preventable crashes and related injuries and deaths, but also makes our roads more accessible to all, improving access to transport and mobility for almost 90 percent of Filipinos who do not use cars,” it added.
Support for active transport that goes beyond lip service is rare in this country, where owning a car remains an aspiration of many, perhaps because nobody sees a bright future when it comes to public and active transportation since it has never been a priority of public officials and even the voters. The DOH expressing support for road infrastructure that is safer for pedestrians and cyclists gives us hope that such priorities that have remained dormant for so long still have a chance of being awakened and even transforming the transportation system, which is an integral part of any just and inclusive society.*
