Presidential Communications Office
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared the last working day of November as “National Bike-To-Work Day” as part of the government’s efforts to raise public awareness on the viability of cycling as a mode of transportation and promote active transport in the Philippines.
A two-page Proclamation No. 409 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on November 28 highlighted the need to raise public awareness on the viability of cycling as a mainstream mode of transportation in order to further improve cycling infrastructure in the Philippines.
The proclamation also aims to promote a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature, ensure a balance between development and environmental protection, and maintain a quality of air that protects human health and welfare.
“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,” the Proclamation stated.
“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,” it added.
President Marcos designated the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group on Active Transport (IATWG-AT) of the Department of Health (DOH) to lead, coordinate and supervise the observance of the “National Bike-to-Work Day.”
The President also mandated the IATWG-AT to identify the programs, projects and activities for the annual celebration as he urged both the public and private sectors to support the annual “National Bike-to-Work Day.” PND