For too long, we’ve built cities around cars—not people. But a growing number of Filipinos are saying, “Tama na.” They’re walking, cycling, commuting, and demanding safer, more inclusive streets. And now, for the first time ever, a nationwide roadmap is underway that could finally change the game: the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP).
The question is: Will it work?
We joined the “Be The Good” panel by Rappler to hear directly from urban planners, transport officials, and accessibility advocates—those helping shape this master plan. Here’s what we learned, and why there’s real reason to hope.
The ATSMP — Not Just a Plan, But a Turning Point
According to Architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., whose firm was tapped to help develop the ATSMP, this is the first time the Philippine government is creating a long-term master plan dedicated solely to walking, cycling, and non-motorized mobility.
“We’re still in the data gathering and consultation stage,” he said. “But this is a noble initiative. All of us are pedestrians the moment we step out of our homes.”
Palafox emphasized a design principle many of us already intuitively understand: good cities put people first. His proposal divides road space into thirds—one for people (walkers, cyclists), one for greenery and air-cleaning trees, and one for vehicles. In a congested city like Metro Manila, that sounds revolutionary.
The Challenge of Implementation—and Why This Time Could Be Different
Eldon Jonathan, Program Manager at the Department of Transportation’s Active Transport Office, acknowledged what many of us fear: “We’re good at planning. But we often fail at implementing.”
But he’s hopeful. The DOTR now has a dedicated office for active transport, complete with funding and staffing. The new leadership under Secretary Vince Dizon is also pushing hard to improve both bike lanes and pedestrian walkways—not just for the sake of mobility, but to complete the journey of every commuter.
“The commuter experience shouldn’t end at the bus or MRT,” Eldon noted. “We need to make sure people can walk safely from the station to their final destination.”
Why Implementation Often Fails
Eldon Jonathan, Program Manager at the Department of Transportation’s Active Transport Office, acknowledged what many Filipinos already know: transport plans in the country often look promising on paper but falter once rolled out.
The reasons are plenty—overlapping government mandates, lack of funding continuity, shifting political priorities, and weak enforcement. Even well-designed bike lanes or pedestrian zones sometimes end up neglected, encroached upon by parked cars, or removed entirely when a new administration takes over.
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We’re good at planning. But we often fail at implementing.
—Eldon Jonathan, DOTR Active Transport Office
His honesty resonated with the audience, because it reflects the lived reality of commuters who have seen countless ribbon-cuttings but very few long-lasting improvements.
What’s Different This Time
Despite this history, there’s cautious optimism. Eldon emphasized that things are changing with the establishment of a dedicated Active Transport Office within the DOTR—a first in the country’s history. Unlike in the past, active transport is no longer treated as a side project but as a standalone priority with its own funding, staff, and mandate.
He pointed out that under Secretary Vince Dizon’s leadership, the government is pushing hard to make improvements that go beyond the usual. Instead of just laying down bike lanes for publicity, the focus is now on integrating walking and cycling into the entire commuting journey.
“The commuter experience shouldn’t end at the bus or MRT,” Eldon explained. “We need to make sure people can walk safely from the station to their final destination.”
This mindset shift—from seeing bike lanes and sidewalks as optional add-ons, to recognizing them as essential links in the mobility chain—is what makes ATSMP different. The challenge of implementation remains, but the institutional and political groundwork being laid today could finally give active transport a fighting chance.
The Voices Driving Accessibility and Inclusion
Accessibility advocate Abner Manlapaz, co-founder of Life Haven, reminded us that active transport is about more than mobility. It’s about equity. This commitment to inclusive infrastructure audits ensures that streets are designed not just for compliance, but for dignity, safety, and independence.
“For people with disabilities, it’s not just about having ramps,” he shared. “It’s about safety, dignity, and independence.” He urged the government to avoid “one-size-fits-all” designs and to recognize that accessibility doesn’t end with compliance—it begins with empathy.
From level LRT platforms to emergency escape routes, universal design must be embedded in all plans—not added later as an afterthought.
EDSA and the Vision for a Safer Metro
What about EDSA? The infamous highway known for traffic jams and narrow bike lanes?
Palafox has a bold vision: an elevated pedestrian and bike walkway along EDSA, complete with 24/7 lighting, vendors, and security. While it may sound ambitious, he argues there’s no more space at ground level—and we can’t wait any longer.
“Elsewhere in the world, they widened sidewalks after the 1973 oil crisis,” he pointed out. “Here, we widened roads and parked cars on sidewalks.”
DOTR confirmed that EDSA rehabilitation is in the pipeline, and while designs are still being finalized, they’re pushing to ensure bike lanes and pedestrian zones remain—and are even expanded.
The 5-Minute City: A Filipino Dream
“Rockwell is an example,” Palafox said. “From your doorstep, you can reach everything you need within 400 meters—a 5-minute walk.”
He dreams of a “15-minute city,” where daily needs are within reach via walking, biking, or public transport. It’s the kind of community where kids can bike to school, lolos can walk to the palengke, and people of all abilities can move around with dignity.
This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about creating livable, breathable cities where people thrive—not just survive.
From Paralysis to Progress: Overcoming Bureaucracy
One panelist asked the elephant-in-the-room question: Can ATSMP overcome the maze of overlapping government mandates?
The DOTR’s answer: Yes—with coordination.
They’ve formed an inter-agency technical working group and are building institutional frameworks for implementation. The plan will include:
- A phased action strategy (short-, medium-, long-term)
- Local government engagement through 22 LGU pilots
- Consultation with civil society, commuters, and barangay officials
“10% of LGUs are already very good,” Palafox said. “We just need more political will and continuity.”
Crowdsource the Future—With You at the Center
Perhaps the most powerful part of the discussion? Everyone agreed: the best ideas don’t come from boardrooms. They come from people who walk the cracked sidewalks, dodge traffic, and push wheelchairs through muddy curbs every single day.
That’s why ATSMP is actively crowdsourcing feedback—from online forms, walk audits, household surveys, to workshops with students and workers. Even youth voices are being encouraged, because “the 20-year-old today will be around in 2050,” said Palafox.
And if we want walkable cities by then, we need to listen to them now.
Let’s Walk Toward the Future—Together
ATSMP may be a policy document, but it’s also a mirror. It reflects how much we value safety, inclusivity, and the right to public space.
From elevated walkways to zero-step bridges, from universal design to local consultation, the Philippines has a chance to finally do it right. But plans don’t build themselves. It takes all of us—walking, cycling, advocating, participating.
Because when we build cities for people, not just cars, we build stronger communities.
So, will the Philippines finally get a good active transport system?
Yes—if we keep walking forward together.
👉 Watch this short video on the future of active transport for more inspiration on how change is already taking shape.
Take the Next Step
Your voice and actions matter. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend cyclist, or a community advocate, you can help shape safer, more inclusive streets.
👉 Connect with ATSMP today and be part of the movement for people-first cities in the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ATSMP?
The Active Transport Strategic Master Plan is the Philippine government’s long-term roadmap to improve walking, cycling, and other human-powered mobility modes across the country.
What’s the current status of the plan?
As of 2025, it’s in the consultation and data-gathering stage, involving civil society, urban planners, LGUs, and the public through FGDs, surveys, and audits.
How can I get involved?
Follow DOTR and ATSMP updates. Fill out their online forms, join community walk audits, or advocate for better infrastructure in your own barangay.
Will EDSA’s bike lanes be removed?
According to DOTR, bike lanes on EDSA will stay. They are pushing for expanded, safer designs—but final plans are still under review.
Can this really be implemented?
Yes—but only if government agencies, LGUs, and communities commit together. The ATSMP includes institutional frameworks to ensure continuity and execution.
Can kids, seniors, and PWDs benefit from this?
Absolutely. ATSMP prioritizes vulnerable users and aims to create universally accessible infrastructure for all Filipinos.
