Today, another successful public-private partnership is unveiled, as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, have officially launched the pioneer edition of the DOTr-SM ACTIVE TRANSPORT (BIKE) MANUAL, through a virtual program.
The publication of the Active Transport Manual, printed in English and Filipino, aims to promote road safety, courtesy, and etiquette among the bike-riding public, pedestrians, and motorists. It is printed in English and Filipino.
A total of 140,000 manuals—a combination of English and Filipino versions—will be distributed for free in all SM Malls nationwide.
The bike manual and its corresponding video materials are mainly derived from the Active Transport Guidelines released by the DOTr.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the partnership between SM and the national government, in producing such manuals that are important to further educate the public on active transport. He also underscored the essence of a “whole-of-nation” approach, in successfully bringing these types of projects from concept to reality.
“For us to realize these goals we have set unto ourselves, it is important that we approach this project on what we termed as “whole-of-nation” approach. Tama at mahalaga na nandiyan ang Public Works, tama at mahalaga na nandiyan ang MMDA, DILG, at DOH, pero wala ‘ho mangyayari diyan kung wala ‘ho yung pribadong sektor, kaya nga ‘ho napakaganda ‘yung pulsuhan at activity ngayon pagka’t nakikita natin ‘yung partnership ng gobyerno at private sector—nandiyan ‘yung SM, nandiyan ‘yung Move as One Coalition, nandiyan ‘yung cyclist.”
Secretary Tugade also announced the latest, remarkable developments on active transportation in the country.
“As of today, in cooperation with the DPWH, and the support of the MMDA, DILG, and DOH, nakatapos na po tayo ng bike lane, totaling around 296 km bike lanes. Ito po ay na-establish at nagawa with pavement markings, bollards, curbs, and solar studs. Is this the end? No. It is only the beginning. In fact, it is desired and intended that by the end of this year, we would have completed 535 km of bike lanes in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao,” Secretary Tugade said.
During the event, Secretary Tugade made an appeal to the Filipinos, to help the government and the private sector in this trailblazing program, and in making it a ‘citizen-driven initiative.
“Wala ‘hong saysay ang proyektong ito kung walang partisipasyon ng publiko. Walang saysay ang pasilidad kung hindi natin yayakapin ang pagkakaroon ng tinatawag na cycling culture. At walang saysay ang pagbibisekleta kung hindi tayo susunod sa mga panuntunan na magsisiguro sa kaligtasan ng bawat buhay sa kalsada,” Secretary Tugade asserted.
“Nananawagan din ‘ho ako sa ating mga kababayang nagmamaneho ng mga de-motor na sasakyan na pairalin ang pagbibigayan sa kalsada, lalo na kung may bikelane na nakatayo sa mga ito. Gawin nating ligtas ang ating mga sarili, pati na rin ang buhay ng mga namimisikleta at pedestrian.”
Meanwhile, in the congratulatory message of DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, as delivered by Usec. Roberto Bernardo noted the successful collaboration of the public and private sector, and underscored, “This has been the very essence of the project that we launched today—our collective endeavor to cater the needs of the bicycle riders.”
SM Supermalls President Steven Tan gladly expressed his gratitude to the DOTr and to other respective partners, for the success of the project.
“Across all SM Supermalls, there are now more than 500 bike racks and more than 80 repair stations nationwide, and now, thanks to our partnership with the DOTr, and the support of all other partners, we are here to launch the next phase of our project, which is the DOTr-SM Bike Manual,” President Tan said.
For the part of the DILG, Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Odilon Pasaraba emphasized, “The conduct of this event despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to how we, the national and local government, as well as our partner organizations, continue to strive towards a more sustainable and inclusive transport system that encourages active transport.”
Expressing the full support and commitment of the Department of Health (DOH), in promoting active transport, Director Beverly Lorraine Ho asserted, “The DOH is committed to ensuring safe, active, transport-friendly streets for all. We look forward to continuing our work with the national and local governments, the private sector, cyclist groups, and civil society, to make this possible.”
Founders and leaders of several cycling organizations also expressed their gratitude to the national and local government, as well as to the private sectors, for recognizing the importance of cycling and the active transportation system, by realizing active transport initiatives and programs.
For her part, Life Cycle Philippines Founder Keisha Alena Mayuga said, “I’m grateful for the efforts of all of our government agencies, the DOTr, DPWH, DOH, DILG, MMDA, countless LGUs across the country, and as well as the private sector group, like SM, for making the effort to create a safer environment for our cyclists. As I cyclist myself, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you, for recognizing cyclists and active transport users on the road.”
Move as One Coalition Co-Convenor, Mr. Robert Siy, on the other hand, conveyed, “The Move As One Coalition offers huge congratulations to the DOTr and to SM, on this launch of the biker’s manual. Today, we are celebrating the launch of this biker’s manual but in a larger sense—what we are celebrating today is the emergence of a new and powerful mindset about our planet, our health, and our travel choices.”
Other officials who were also present during the event were DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Steve Pastor, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Commuter Affairs Goddes Hope Libiran, DOH Health Program Officer Dasha Uy, SM Engineering Design and Development Corp. (SMEDD) President Hans “Chico” Sy Jr., SM Retail Assistant Vice President Mara Sy Coson, and representatives from the embassies of Denmark, the Netherlands, France, and the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines.