On October 30, 2024, the Angeles City Government, under the leadership of Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., organized an important Active Transport Workshop at the City Planning and Development Office. The event, facilitated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), was part of the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance its urban infrastructure and promote sustainable mobility. The workshop aimed at introducing strategies that would improve the accessibility and safety of active transport modes such as cycling and walking for the city’s residents.
This initiative underscores the city’s commitment to fostering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban environment. Active transport is seen as a crucial step toward building a city that prioritizes health, reduces its carbon footprint, and makes transportation more inclusive. The workshop emphasized the need for comprehensive planning to ensure the success of active transport systems, which would benefit both the residents and the environment.
One of the central goals highlighted during the workshop was the improvement of the city’s existing bike pathways. Mayor Lazatin stressed the importance of ensuring that these pathways are safe and functional, which is crucial for encouraging more residents to adopt cycling as a daily mode of transport. The city aims to make the bike lanes not only more accessible but also safer for cyclists, which will help reduce the risk of accidents and promote healthier lifestyles.
Active transport, which includes walking and cycling, has been recognized as having multiple advantages for urban populations. It is associated with improved public health, as it encourages physical activity and reduces the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Furthermore, by reducing reliance on motor vehicles, it contributes to less traffic congestion, offering smoother commutes and faster travel times.
In addition to promoting health and reducing traffic, active transport also plays a key role in combating climate change. With fewer cars on the road, greenhouse gas emissions are lowered, making the city more eco-friendly. The workshop provided a platform for discussions on how Angeles City can integrate more sustainable transportation options into its future development plans.
Representatives from various city offices were also in attendance during the workshop, including the Angeles City Traffic Development Office (ACTDO), the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), the City Accounting Office, the Department of Transportation’s Active Transport Project Office (DOTr-ATPO), the City Budget Office (CBO), and the City Treasury Office (CTO). Their involvement ensured a multi-faceted approach to the project, addressing both the technical and financial aspects of implementing active transport solutions.
The workshop is part of a larger initiative to improve the overall transportation system in Angeles City. With collaboration from various departments, the city aims to build a safer, more efficient, and sustainable urban mobility network. Mayor Lazatin’s leadership in this initiative signals a forward-thinking approach to the city’s transportation challenges, promising a more livable, greener, and healthier urban environment for the people of Angeles City.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
