The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) expressed its continued support for the movement that demands shared space to enable safe walking and cycling in roads all over the country.
“We fully support the road-sharing movement espoused by noted environmentalist, Atty. Antonio Oposa Jr., because it not only pushes for equitable road space but also helps mitigate the ill effects of the crisis of climate change, reduce air pollution and improve air quality,” said Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje.
Paje made the statement as Malacañang will once again play host to the second “Bayanihan sa Daan Awards,” which recognizes “movers and shakers of walkable and bikeable communities” tomorrow, Jan. 29, 2016.
The honorees come from national government agencies, local government units, media, the academe, civil society, private groups and the transport sector. The awarding ceremony will be held at the historic Kalayaan Hall in Malacañan Palace.
“These are the people who went out of their way to change society’s behavior. They have to be recognized for their courage, boldness and their efforts in pushing for urban sanity,” Oposa said, referring to the awardees.
The road-sharing movement “Bayanihan sa Daan” seeks to set aside half of the road for non-motorized transportation, safe and covered sidewalks and all-weather bike lanes, while reserving the other half for an organized transport system.
Oposa described the movement as a “unique Filipino approach to transport revolution, urban sanity and climate crisis.”
“Bayanihan sa Daan” is a cooperative undertaking by the Share the Road Movement, DENR, Office of the Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection (OPAEP), Department of Transportation and Communications, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Climate Change Commission.
