In Surigao City, walking is part of everyday life. Parents walk their children to school, seniors make their way to the market, and workers travel short distances on foot before catching a ride. But these simple journeys are not always easy—pedestrian lanes are often ignored by vehicles, sidewalks are cluttered, and crossing the street can feel like a gamble.
For Surigaonons, these challenges are not abstract policy debates—they are daily realities. And that’s why the arrival of the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP) in Surigao is so important. This nationwide effort isn’t just about building bike lanes or painting crosswalks. It’s about making sure that moving around the city—whether on foot, by bicycle, or with a wheelchair—is safe, dignified, and accessible to all.
What Is ATSMP?
The Active Transport Strategic Master Plan is the Philippines’ first long-term national roadmap to make walking, cycling, and other people-centered transport modes safe, dignified, and accessible.
Led by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) with technical support from Palafox Associates and the active participation of local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and everyday commuters, ATSMP seeks to:
- Improve road safety for all users
- Create walkable and bikeable cities
- Strengthen inclusivity for seniors, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and children
In Surigao, this national initiative found local grounding through meetings, training sessions, focus group discussions, and a Participatory Infrastructure Audit—where planners, citizens, and advocates walked the city’s streets to see mobility challenges firsthand.
(Learn more about the master plan here: What is the Philippine Active Transport Strategic Master Plan?)
Where and When It’s Happening
The ATSMP Surigao leg took place on August 13–14, 2025:
- August 13
- Courtesy call with Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II
- Coordination meeting with LGU offices
- Enumerator training for the Household Interview Survey (HIS)
- Courtesy call with Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II
- August 14
- Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with Surigao CSOs
- Participatory Infrastructure Audit: walk from Surigao Provincial Capitol to Luneta Park (5–7 PM)
- Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with Surigao CSOs
These activities set the stage for identifying the city’s mobility challenges and charting next steps toward people-first transport.
On-the-Ground Experience
Walking through Surigao revealed both opportunities and challenges.
Aggressive driving was one of the most pressing issues. Even when pedestrian lanes were clearly marked, vehicles often ignored them. Residents shared that crossing the street feels “like a gamble,” especially for children near schools and seniors who need more time to cross.
In school zones, traffic calming measures were scarce. Vehicles rarely slowed down, leaving students and parents vulnerable during peak hours.
Sidewalks told another story. While some were wide and well-paved, many were blocked by vendors, forcing pedestrians into the road. For PWDs and the elderly, this was not just inconvenient but unsafe.
The lack of street lighting compounded risks. In several neighborhoods, poor visibility after dark made evening commutes and walks hazardous. Add to this blind curves in Surigao’s road network—where drivers and walkers have limited sightlines—and the risks multiply.
Yet, there were bright spots. Some pedestrian lanes were properly designated, a sign that the city recognizes walkability needs. These can be strengthened into models for safer, more accessible routes.
Insights and Key Learnings
From Surigao’s walk audit and discussions, several lessons emerged:
Road Safety and Behavior
Aggressive driving showed up repeatedly during the audit. Even at marked pedestrian lanes, many drivers failed to stop or even slow down. This reflects the need not only for better infrastructure, but also stronger enforcement and public awareness campaigns around road safety.
👉 Participants described crossing busy intersections as feeling like “a gamble”—with uncertainty about whether vehicles would actually stop for pedestrians.
Safer School Zones
The team observed that vehicles rarely slowed down near schools, even when children were visibly crossing. Traffic calming measures such as speed humps, raised crossings, or dedicated school-zone signage were either limited or absent.
Parents in the FGD expressed concern that their children’s daily trips to school are stressful and unsafe, especially during peak hours. Improving safety around schools is one of the most urgent opportunities for Surigao’s active transport efforts.
Sidewalks and Accessibility
While sidewalks exist in some areas, many are blocked by vendors or parked vehicles. This forced pedestrians—especially seniors and PWDs—to step onto the road, putting them in direct conflict with fast-moving traffic.
Lighting and Blind Curves
Poor lighting and blind curves were frequently mentioned safety hazards. Streets that are poorly lit at night not only make walking dangerous, but also limit economic and social activity after dark. Meanwhile, Surigao’s sharp curves create blind spots that increase the likelihood of crashes.
👉 As one CSO participant emphasized, improving active transport in Surigao “is not just about infrastructure—it’s about respect for people on the road.”
Why It Matters Beyond the Numbers
This isn’t just about painting pedestrian lanes or putting up signs. Active transport affects quality of life:
- Health: Walking and cycling encourage active lifestyles, lowering risks of disease.
- Economy: Safer sidewalks bring more people to local businesses.
- Environment: Fewer cars mean cleaner air and reduced emissions.
- Equity: Streets designed for PWDs, children, and seniors create communities that care for all members.
Surigao’s progress is not just for Surigaonons—it sets an example for other growing cities in the Philippines.
Outcomes and Next Steps
From this site visit, ATSMP and partners will:
- Analyze HIS survey results alongside audit findings.
- Draft recommendations for safer school zones, improved lighting, and sidewalk management.
- Engage Surigao LGU in developing people-first transport strategies
These outcomes will be consolidated into the national ATSMP recommendations, shaping future policies and investments.
How You Can Get Involved
Active transport works best when communities participate. You can:
- Join future walk audits or surveys
- Share your commute experiences via the ATSMP Feedback Form
- Advocate for safer sidewalks and crossings in your barangay
- Partner with CSOs and LGUs for education campaigns
Your experience matters—whether you walk, cycle, or simply cross the street daily.
The Road Ahead
The vision is clear: a Surigao where walking is safe, cycling is possible, and public spaces are for everyone. With consistent enforcement, community participation, and smart investments, the city can lead by example. Learn more about the future of active transport in the Philippines
Take the Next Step
Help shape the future of mobility in the Philippines.
👉 Connect with ATSMP today and be part of building safer, more inclusive streets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Participatory Infrastructure Audit?
A collaborative walk to assess road safety, accessibility, and usability from a commuter’s perspective.
Why focus on Surigao?
Surigao represents growing cities where active transport can make a transformative difference.
How will the findings be used?
They will inform both local actions and the national ATSMP roadmap.
Can individuals contribute?
Yes—through surveys, feedback forms, and participation in local activities.
What’s next for Surigao?
Follow-ups on HIS data, policy recommendations, and continued partnerships with local stakeholders.
