As urban centers across the Philippines become more congested, there’s an urgent call for smarter, more sustainable mobility solutions. This is where active transport—including walking, biking, and other non-motorized means—takes center stage.
Active transport is more than just getting around on foot or by bicycle; it’s a key pillar of sustainable urban planning. It promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces traffic congestion, and cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions. Most importantly, it creates safer, more accessible streets for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs)—groups often left behind in traditional transport systems.
Yet, despite its potential, active transport often takes a backseat to car-centric development.
This is the core problem the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP) aims to solve.
What is ATSMP?
The ATSMP is a comprehensive, long-term national roadmap developed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to integrate and promote active mobility throughout the Philippines.
It aligns with national development frameworks like:
- Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028
- AmBisyon Natin 2040
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
By recognizing walking and cycling as essential modes of transport, the ATSMP is building a multi-modal, inclusive, and climate-resilient mobility ecosystem.
Why ATSMP Matters?
Solving Urban and Social Transport Issues
The ATSMP directly addresses:
- Traffic congestion, especially in urban centers like Metro Manila
- High greenhouse gas emissions from car-heavy transport
- Mobility inequity, disproportionately affecting PWDs, seniors, and students
COVID-19: A Wake-Up Call for Active Transport
During the pandemic, limited public transport forced cities to rethink mobility. Emergency bike lanes and pedestrian zones highlighted the value of active transport. ATSMP builds on this shift, framing active transport as a core urban service, not just a temporary fix.
A Win for Health, Climate, and Equity
Encouraging walking and biking helps:
- Reduce non-communicable diseases by promoting daily movement
- Cut carbon emissions, supporting global and national climate targets
- Create transport equity, with affordable options for underserved communities
What Will ATSMP Do?
The ATSMP is guided by three main missions designed to shift the status quo.
- Create a Nationwide Game Plan
The plan serves as a strategic roadmap for LGUs to develop safer, more walkable, and bikeable cities—designed with PWDs, students, and seniors in mind. - Support Long-Term Success
With clear policies, standards, and funding mechanisms, ATSMP enables sustainable implementation for inclusive active mobility. - Make Active Transport a Norm
It aims to promote a cultural shift—normalizing walking and cycling for daily commutes, not just recreation.
Goals and Objectives of ATSMP
To accomplish its mission, the ATSMP sets out these four strategic objectives:
1. Mainstream Walking and Cycling
Make active transport part of formal transport systems, not just afterthoughts in urban planning.
2. Reduce Motor Vehicle Dependency
Safer active transport options can shift travel behavior, reducing car usage and traffic congestion.
3. Improve Accessibility Nationwide
Every Filipino—regardless of age, ability, or income—should access safe, convenient ways to get around.
4. Align Local and National Planning
Coordinate efforts between LGUs and national agencies for consistent, sustainable implementation.
How ATSMP Creates Real Change?
ATSMP is not just theoretical—it’s built for impact, efficiency, and accountability.
- Proves the Economic Value of Active Transport
Active mobility contributes to local economies, lowers healthcare costs, and increases foot traffic in commercial zones. - Promotes Transparency in Spending
With standardized tools and project prioritization systems, LGUs can make smart, transparent investment decisions. - Prioritizes High-Impact, Data-Driven Projects
Planning is based on real-world traffic, safety, and demographic data, ensuring investments benefit the most vulnerable. - Provides Planning Tools and Capacity Support
Training, technical guides, and toolkits empower LGUs to plan and implement their own inclusive transport programs.
Pilot Areas of the ATSMP: Pioneering Cities in Active Transport Integration
To ground the strategy in reality, six diverse cities have been selected as pilot sites for the ATSMP. Each city is implementing 14 non-sequential tasks, adapted to its specific needs and urban challenges.
Pilot Cities:
1. Metro Manila (NCR)
As the country’s most urbanized region, NCR represents the biggest challenge—and opportunity—for active transport. From protected bike lanes on EDSA to pedestrianized zones, Metro Manila is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in dense, car-centric environments.
2. Iloilo City
Often hailed as the bike capital of the Philippines, Iloilo has long championed cycling-friendly policies. The city’s expansive esplanade, wide bike lanes, and strong local government support make it an ideal model for replication.
3. Zamboanga City
Located in Mindanao, Zamboanga is integrating active transport with its unique cultural identity. It is pioneering efforts to make biking accessible in a region where motorized tricycles are dominant. Learn more about these initiatives in Zamboanga’s Active Transport: Safer Paths.
4. Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Known for its eco-tourism and natural beauty, Puerto Princesa is embedding green mobility in its transport network. Prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists aligns with its sustainable development goals.
5. Surigao City
In the Caraga Region, Surigao is working to enhance urban walkability and bike safety. The city is building a more connected urban core through active mobility corridors. Learn more about how Surigao is advancing sidewalks and accessibility in Surigao’s Step Forward.
6. Mati, Davao Oriental
As a smaller city, Mati is proving that active transport isn’t just for metros. It is integrating bike lanes and walkways into its coastal urban development plans to boost accessibility and tourism.
Why These Cities Matter
Each pilot city plays a unique role in shaping how the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan unfolds nationwide. Their experiences will inform national guidelines, test innovative solutions, and provide real-world data for scaling up active mobility projects across other LGUs.
Components of the Master Plan
The ATSMP integrates policy, infrastructure, and community engagement into a holistic strategy.
- Disaster-Resilient Transport Planning
Infrastructure is built to withstand climate threats while ensuring safe evacuation routes and year-round accessibility. - Complete Streets for All
Streets are redesigned to serve everyone—not just vehicles, but pedestrians, cyclists, vendors, seniors, and PWDs. - Triple Bottom Line Approach
All planning balances economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.
Key Deliverables
| Output | Purpose |
|---|---|
| National Active Transport Roadmap | Guides LGUs in creating long-term plans for active transport |
| Capacity-Building Programs | Trains city planners, engineers, and implementers |
| Design and Safety Standards | Establishes clear guidelines for inclusive, accessible infrastructure |
| Prioritization Toolkits | Helps cities focus on cost-effective, impactful initiatives |
Long-Term Vision
Imagine a Philippines where:
- Children walk to school safely
- PWDs travel independently
- Seniors enjoy walkable parks
- Cyclists ride in protected lanes
That’s the future Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP) envisions—a country of people-first cities aligned with climate goals, public health targets, and urban inclusivity.
Final Thoughts
The Active Transport Strategic Master Plan isn’t just another government policy—it’s a vision for change. With its clear roadmap, inclusive mission, and multi-sectoral backing, it stands to redefine how Filipinos move.
From students navigating crosswalks, to PWDs accessing sidewalks, to seniors enjoying safer streets—ATSMP brings mobility within reach for everyone.
Be Part of the Journey
Building safe, walkable, and bikeable cities takes all of us. Share your ideas, ask questions, or collaborate with us—your voice matters.
👉 Contact the ATSMP Team today and help shape the future of active transport in the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Philippine Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP)?
The ATSMP is a national initiative led by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) that promotes walking, cycling, and other non-motorized transport. It aims to make urban mobility more sustainable, inclusive, and safe—especially for vulnerable groups like students, PWDs, and senior citizens.
Why is active transport important for Filipinos?
Active transport reduces traffic, improves public health, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and provides affordable, accessible mobility options. It’s especially vital for low-income communities and individuals who depend on walking or biking to reach work, school, or essential services.
How does the ATSMP help persons with disabilities, seniors, and students?
ATSMP promotes universal design standards in urban infrastructure—like wider sidewalks, curb ramps, tactile paths, and safer crossings—so that PWDs, older adults, and schoolchildren can travel safely and independently.
Which cities are involved in the ATSMP pilot program?
The six pilot cities are Metro Manila (NCR), Iloilo, Zamboanga, Puerto Princesa, Surigao, and Mati. Each is testing active mobility strategies tailored to local conditions and will serve as models for future expansion.
How does the ATSMP support local governments?
Local government units (LGUs) receive support through capacity-building programs, planning toolkits, design standards, and guidance for implementing cost-effective, high-impact transport projects.
What are the main goals of ATSMP?
The ATSMP aims to:
Create a nationwide roadmap for walkable, bikeable cities
Support long-term sustainability through policies and funding
Promote a cultural shift toward active mobility in daily life
What kind of infrastructure changes can Filipinos expect from ATSMP?
Filipinos can expect improvements like protected bike lanes, pedestrian zones, disaster-resilient walkways, and safe routes to schools. These changes are designed to make daily travel safer and more inclusive for everyone.
How does ATSMP contribute to climate change mitigation?
By reducing the country’s reliance on motorized vehicles and promoting low-carbon transport options, ATSMP helps cut emissions, reduce pollution, and contribute to national and global climate goals.
