Executive Summary

The Philippines has invested heavily in roads for motor vehicles, yet pedestrian infrastructure has not received equal attention. Millions of Filipinos walk every day—whether by choice or necessity—but many do so without safe, continuous, and accessible sidewalks.

Improving walkability is not merely an infrastructure project. It is a national investment in public health, road safety, environmental sustainability, tourism, disaster resilience, economic development, and social equity.

International Evidence

Countries consistently ranked among the healthiest and most livable—including Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands, Denmark, and South Korea—have one thing in common: they prioritize pedestrians.

Walkable cities consistently experience:

• Lower obesity rates

• Lower healthcare costs

• Reduced traffic congestion

• Lower carbon emissions

• Improved air quality

• Higher retail activity

• Better public transportation usage

• Greater social interaction

• Higher quality of life

Proposed National Standards

The Philippine Government should adopt national standards requiring:

• Wider sidewalks wherever right-of-way permits.

• Continuous pedestrian corridors.

• Universal accessibility.

• Shade trees and landscaping.

• Proper lighting.

• Flood-resistant sidewalk construction.

• Safe pedestrian crossings.

• Removal of illegal sidewalk obstructions.

• Annual sidewalk maintenance funding.

• Mandatory pedestrian impact assessments for all major road projects.

Expected National Benefits

Health:
Reduced incidence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, anxiety, and depression.

Economy:
Lower healthcare expenditures, increased retail activity, higher tourism value, stronger property markets, and improved workforce productivity.

Transportation:
Reduced congestion, lower fuel consumption, and greater integration with public transport.

Environment:
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved urban cooling through tree cover, and better air quality.

Safety:
Fewer pedestrian fatalities and injuries through safer street design.

Call to Action

We respectfully urge Congress, DPWH, DOTr, DOH, DILG, MMDA, and all Local Government Units to prioritize people-centered infrastructure through a comprehensive National Walkability and Safe Sidewalk Act.

Healthy cities begin with healthy streets.

Healthy streets begin with safe sidewalks.

Walk More. Ride Less. Live Best.