Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced on Wednesday the release of P705 million to the Department of Transportation for two projects that will benefit bikers in metropolitan areas.
In a statement, she said the Active Transport Bike Share System and Safe Pathways Program in Metropolitan Areas aimed to embed sustainable and active mobility in the country’s overall transportation system.
Pangandaman said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was very particular when he directed the DBM to provide the necessary budgetary support to the transport sector.
“Achieving an improved transportation system toward a better quality of life for all Filipinos calls for a multisectoral approach,” she said.
“… We will ensure to provide support to this meaningful project. We are one with the bikers and advocates of active transport in giving them a comfortable and safe space on the road,” Pangandaman said.
Aside from increasing the accessibility of key activity areas and fundamental facilities through supporting the development of active transport, the program will also prioritize providing a sustainable transportation option that is cohesive, direct, safe, comfortable, and attractive to the public. Julito G. Rada
Moreover, the program is expected to reduce carbon emissions in metropolitan areas, as well as significantly improve overall public health and safety through the presence of upgraded bike and pedestrian facilities.
To further promote indirect economic and environmental benefits such as better quality of life, transportation cost savings, time savings, and improved air quality, the program will also focus on reducing road congestion as motor vehicle users shift to more efficient modes of transport.
Under Special Provision (SP) No. 8 of the DOTr-OSEC Budget in the FY 2023 GAA, the appropriated amount for the program shall be used to construct protected bike lanes, procure bike racks, improve end-of-trip cycling infrastructure, construct safe and accessible pedestrian pathways and sidewalks, and upgrade existing pop-up bike lanes into permanent bike lanes.
