PBBM declares November's last working day as "National Bike-To-Work Day"

PBBM declares November's last working day as "National Bike-To-Work Day"

In a significant move towards promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options in the Philippines, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially declared the last working day of November as "National Bike-To-Work Day." This proclamation, detailed in a two-page document known as Proclamation No. 409, was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on November 28.

The primary objective of this declaration is to raise public awareness about the feasibility of cycling as a mainstream mode of transportation to further enhance cycling infrastructure throughout the Philippines. By encouraging more people to choose bicycles as a means of commuting, the government aims to foster a balanced and healthful ecological environment in harmony with nature.

Proclamation No. 409 also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a delicate equilibrium between development and environmental preservation, all while ensuring air quality that safeguards human health and well-being. This initiative aligns with the goals outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which prioritizes the development of an active transport network, giving pedestrians and cyclists the highest priority among road users.

The ongoing global pandemic has accelerated the need for safer and more socially distanced modes of travel, particularly for essential workers. President Marcos recognizes this imperative in the "New Normal" and calls for measures to facilitate secure, independent, physically distanced travel.

To spearhead the observance of the "National Bike-To-Work Day," President Marcos has entrusted the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group on Active Transport (IATWG-AT) under the Department of Health (DOH). This body will lead, coordinate, and oversee the implementation of this annual event, which aims to engage both the public and private sectors in support of sustainable and healthier transportation alternatives.

As the Philippines takes this significant step towards promoting cycling as a viable mode of commuting, the hope is to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for the nation.

READ FULL TEXT: 

PROCLAMATION NO. 409 DECLARING THE LAST WORKING DAY OF NOVEMBER OF EVERY YEAR AS THE "NATIONAL BIKE-TO-WORK DAY"

WHEREAS, Section 16, Article Il of the Constitution declares it a policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature;
WHEREAS, under Republic Act (RA) No. 8749 or the "Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999," the State shall ensure a balance between development and environmental protection, and maintain a quality of air that protects human health and welfare;

WHEREAS, RA No. 8749 encourages non-motorized transportation;
WHEREAS, the Department of Health (DOH) constituted the Inter Agency Technical Working Group on Active Transport (IATWG-AT) to oversee and implement strategies for the promotion of Active Transport, such as cycling, throughout the country;

WHEREAS, the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 underscores the need to develop active transport networks, and accord highest priority to pedestrians and cyclists in the hierarchy of road users;

WHEREAS, 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; and

WHEREAS, there is a 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 country;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND R. MARCOs, JR., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in merby the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby declare the last working day of November of every year as the "National Bike-to-Work Day."

For this purpose, the IATWG-AT, in coordination with relevant
non-government organizations and civil society groups, shall lead, coordinate, and supervise the observance of the National Bike-to-Work Day, and identify the programs, projects, and activities for the yearly celebration thereof.

All other national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges, are directed, and local government units and the private sector are encouraged, to provide the necessary assistance and support to the DOH and the IATWG-AT for the effective implementation of the Proclamation.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 28th day of Noveuiber , in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Three.

Proclamation No. 409 s. 2023 - DOWNLOAD