Iloilo City bags Gold Award in DOTr’s first National Bike Lane Awards – Manila Bulletin

Iloilo City emerged as the top local government unit (LGU) that promotes effective bike lane use during the first-ever National Bike Lane Awards of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Iloilo bested other LGUs across the country as it bagged the Gold Award followed by Pasig City recognized as Silver Awardee, and Quezon City as the Bronze Awardee.

The three LGUs will be rewarded with bicycles and helmets for their efforts towards a more inclusive and sustainable road infrastructure network.

The National Bike Lane Awards is part of the DOTr’s initiative to promote active transportation aimed at promoting road safety for all road users, share innovative practices, and commend LGUs in their efforts to serve as examples for other cities and municipalities to improve and invest in reliable active transport infrastructure.

The celebration is also in time with the Presidential Proclamation No. 1052 declaring the fourth Sunday of November every year as “National Bicycle Day” in the Philippines to highlight the importance of non-motorized transportation.

“As we celebrate the National Bicycle Day this coming Sunday, we hope to give credit where it is due by honoring the exemplary efforts of the local government units who have pushed for active transportation through the establishment of new infrastructure and the implementation of various support programs in the last two years,” DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor said.

For his part, DOTr Undersecretary for Finance Giovanni Lopez emphasized the importance of promoting cycling as a sustainable and effective mode of active transport, especially during this time of the pandemic.

“Cycling may be simple, but it is smart, versatile, and unique. Not only it promotes one’s healthy lifestyle and well-being, but it is also a sustainable means of transportation,” Lopez, who represented DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, said.

Meanwhile, Plaques of Recognition were awarded to the Municipality of Carmona, Cavite, for the 1st to 3rd Class Municipality category, and the Municipality of Llanera in Nueva Ecija for the 4th to 6th class municipality category for their exemplary contribution and initiatives in promoting Active Transportation.

Special awards were also given to Mandaue City to recognize its commendable implementation, monitoring, and evaluation practices relative to the promotion of active transport.

Taguig City received similar accolades for its noteworthy initiatives in establishing institutional mechanisms for active transportation.

Plaques of Appreciation were also awarded to Mandaluyong City, Tabuk City (Kalinga), Cebu City, San Fernando City (La Union), Cagayan De Oro, Davao City, Santa Rosa City (Laguna), and Naga City (Camarines Sur).