WALKABLE CITY. The city government is allotting an initial P20 million in the 2020 budget for the construction and rehabilitation of sidewalks to encourage walking among residents. To start off, the ascending side of Session Road is closed to motorists and open only to pedestrians every Sunday to make the city conducive to walking. (PNA photo)
BAGUIO CITY -- The city government is allotting an initial PHP20 million in the 2020 budget for the construction and rehabilitation of sidewalks to encourage walking among residents.
"The whole city, not only in the central business district, but also in the barangays to make sure that people will have some area to walk on when they want to enjoy the cool weather," Mayor Benjamin Magalong said in an interview Friday.
Walking on sidewalks is safe, preventing pedestrians from being sideswiped by vehicles, Magalong said.
The plan will complement the ongoing recovery of roads and sidewalks occupied by establishments.
In keeping with President Rodrigo R. Duterte's order to recover public roads, the mayor personally asked the business establishments to clear the sidewalks and roads.
During several inspections, Magalong said some businesses have occupied portions of the city’s sidewalks and roads that impede the flow of pedestrian traffic.
This prompted the dismantling of the illegal structures, considering the city’s advocacy on making walking a part of healthy lifestyle of the residents.
To start off, the ascending side of Session Road is closed to motorists and open only to pedestrians every Sunday to make the city conducive to walking.
Among the establishments identified to have encroached sidewalks and roads include machine shops, hardware stores, food stores, sari-sari stores, groceries, hotels, and even gasoline stations. (PNA)
