President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared the last working day of November as “National Bike-To-Work Day” as part of the government’s efforts to raise public awareness on the viability of cycling as a mode of transportation and promote active transport in the Philippines.

A two-page Proclamation No. 409 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on November 28 highlighted the need to raise public awareness on the viability of cycling as mainstream mode of transportation in order to further improve cycling infrastructure in the Philippines.

The proclamation also aims to promote a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature, ensure a balance between development and environmental protection, and maintain a quality of air that protects human health and welfare.

“The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 underscores the need to develop active transport network, and accord highest priority to pedestrians and cyclists in the hierarchy of road users,” the Proclamation stated.

“The post-pandemic ‘New Normal’ requires the adoption of measures to enable safe, independent, physically-distanced travel, especially for essential workers, so that the country is better prepared in the event of another health emergency,” it added.

President Marcos designated the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group on Active Transport (IATWG-AT) of the Department of Health (DOH) to lead, coordinate and supervise the observance of the “National Bike-to-Work Day.”

The President also mandated the IATWG-AT to identify the programs, projects and activities for the annual celebration as he urged both the public and private sectors to support to the yearly “National Bike-to-Work Day.” PND