On the streets of Iloilo City, the hum of jeepneys blends with the rhythmic spin of bicycle wheels and the steady footsteps of morning commuters. This is no ordinary week—it’s the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP) in action. From July 7 to 10, 2025, Iloilo became the center of collaborative planning, data gathering, and community dialogue, reaffirming its role as one of the country’s pioneers in active transport.
Why does this matter? Because in the Philippines, cities like Iloilo are showing that walkable, bikeable, and people-first streets aren’t just dreams—they’re happening now, shaping healthier, more inclusive, and more sustainable futures.
What Is This Initiative About?
This visit is part of the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP)—a national initiative supported by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to create safer, more connected, and more inclusive transport systems.
In Iloilo, ATSMP worked hand-in-hand with:
- Iloilo City Government led by Mayor Raisa Trenas
- City Planning Office, headed by Sir Ronald Cartagena
- Local civil society organizations (CSOs)
- Cyclists, heritage advocates, educators, and residents
The goal? To gather ground-level insights, audit existing infrastructure, and identify opportunities for improving active transport systems that work for everyone—from daily commuters to students, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
Where and When It’s Happening
The Iloilo leg ran from July 7 to 10, 2025, with activities spread across key city areas:
- July 7: Coordination meetings with LGU offices and a courtesy call with Mayor Raisa Treñas, who expressed full support for active transport.
- July 8: Training of enumerators for the Household Interview Survey (HIS).
- July 9: Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with CSOs from transport, environmental, institutional, and social sectors.
- July 10: Participatory Infrastructure Audit—two walks across Iloilo’s bustling streets, from Mandurriao Plaza to Jaro Plaza in the morning, and from Plaza Libertad to Rotary Park in the afternoon.
Household Interview Survey on Active Transport Mode Choice
The Household Interview Survey (HIS), recently cleared by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), is a vital step in shaping people-first mobility systems. This nationwide effort, led by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), will collect data on how Filipinos choose their travel modes—particularly walking and cycling—as part of their daily trips.
In Iloilo, enumerators trained on July 8, 2025 will visit sampled households to gather information on:
- Cycling propensity and walking experiences
- Factors influencing transport mode choice
- Household demographics and trip behaviors
This data will be used to guide policy formulation, infrastructure development, and sustainable urban mobility planning. With a budget allocation of ₱5.7 million, the survey spans six pilot sites, including Iloilo City, and runs from June to July 2025, with results expected by October 2025.
The PSA strongly encourages all selected households to participate truthfully, ensuring accurate insights for better streets and better cities.
To learn more, visit the PSA’s official announcement on the Household Interview Survey for Active Transport Mode Choice.
On-the-Ground Experience
Morning Walk – Mandurriao Plaza to Jaro Plaza
Residents, cyclists, and members of the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council joined ATSMP to observe conditions on sidewalks, crossings, and bike lanes.
“
We’ve come a long way since the first bike lanes, but signage and consistent enforcement are still needed.
—Local cyclist, Iloilo City
Afternoon Walk – Plaza Libertad to Rotary Park
PWD representatives, long-time residents, and professors from Colegio San Agustin – Iloilo participated. Key observations included vehicles blocking bike lanes and a lack of clear pedestrian wayfinding.
“
The infrastructure is here, but people need more awareness and guidance to use it properly.
—Professor, Colegio San Agustin – Iloilo
Insights and Key Learnings
The field activities revealed several important patterns:
- Infrastructure leadership: Iloilo remains a model city for early investments in bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly spaces.
- Connectivity challenges: While the Iloilo Esplanade offers scenic and safe routes, gaps in wayfinding make it underutilized by non-regular users.
- Enforcement gaps: Bike lanes are sometimes used as loading zones, and lane discipline varies widely.
- Community passion: Advocacy groups have evolved from tourism promotion to full-fledged active transport champions, especially during the pandemic.
One important takeaway: there is no one-size-fits-all model for active transport. Every city’s history, layout, and community priorities must guide how solutions are designed and implemented.
“
Every safe street we create is an invitation for more Ilonggos to step outside, connect, and move freely.
—Mayor Raisa Trenas
Why It Matters Beyond the Numbers
Better sidewalks and bike lanes are not just about getting from point A to point B. They mean:
- Health benefits: Encouraging active commuting reduces sedentary lifestyles.
- Economic opportunities: Accessible streets help small businesses thrive as more people pass by on foot or bike.
- Environmental impact: Less dependence on cars means reduced emissions and cleaner air.
Social inclusion: Streets designed for all—children, seniors, PWDs—strengthen community bonds.
Outcomes and Next Steps
From the Iloilo visit, ATSMP will:
- Analyze data from the Household Interview Survey and Infrastructure Audit.
- Integrate findings into national recommendations for policy and design improvements.
- Share best practices from Iloilo with other LGUs to inspire replication.
Next, the ATSMP team will continue its tour of other Philippine cities, carrying Iloilo’s lessons into future site visits.
How You Can Get Involved
Active transport is a shared responsibility. You can:
- Join local walk audits or bike rides.
- Share your commuting experiences via the ATSMP feedback form: tinyurl.com/atsmpPAR
- Follow Iloilo City Government, Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council, and Colegio San Agustin – Iloilo for updates.
- Advocate for safer, more inclusive streets in your own community.
The Road Ahead
Iloilo’s journey shows that change happens one step, one pedal, and one conversation at a time. The long-term vision for active transport in the Philippines is clear: streets where people come first, cities where movement is safe, inclusive, and sustainable.
ATSMP’s commitment is unwavering—working with LGUs, civil society, and everyday commuters to continuously improve, innovate, and adapt. The road ahead is long, but every city that takes action brings the vision closer.
Let’s Move Forward Together
Change happens faster when we work side by side. Whether you’re a cyclist, commuter, planner, or advocate, your input can transform cities.
Reach out today and be part of building streets where people come first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Participatory Infrastructure Audit?
A collaborative walk or ride through streets to assess safety, accessibility, and usability for all road users.
How will ATSMP use Iloilo’s data?
Findings will guide local and national policies, helping design infrastructure that better fits community needs.
Why focus on Iloilo?
Iloilo is a pioneer in active transport, offering lessons for other cities while still facing its own challenges.
Can individuals participate in ATSMP activities?
Yes—through public calls for volunteers, surveys, and community workshops announced on official channels.
What’s next for Iloilo?
Continued collaboration with ATSMP, improvements in signage, enforcement, and connectivity, plus ongoing advocacy.
