Zamboanga City, known as the “Asia’s Latin City,” is rich in culture, history, and vibrant street life. But beyond its colorful festivals and bustling plazas lies a growing conversation about how people move safely and efficiently within the city.
In early August 2025, the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP) team visited Zamboanga to work closely with local government, civil society, and everyday commuters. The mission? To gather data, listen to community voices, and conduct on-the-ground audits that will shape the city’s transport future.
Active transport — walking, cycling, and other human-powered travel — is not just about mobility. It’s about access, safety, and dignity for all, from school children to senior citizens, regardless of income or gender.
What Is the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP)
The ATSMP is a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) with support from development partners. It aims to create a long-term roadmap for safer, more inclusive, and sustainable streets across the Philippines.
In Zamboanga, the visit focused on three key activities:
- Household Interview Survey (HIS)
- Local Government Unit (LGU) consultations
Each of these activities is designed to ensure data-driven policies that reflect both the lived experiences of residents and global best practices for urban mobility.
Where and When It’s Happening
From August 5 to 7, 2025, the ATSMP team engaged with Zamboanga’s communities through:
- August 5 – Training of HIS Enumerators & LGU Consultation
- August 6 – Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with local Civil Society Organizations
These activities are part of a larger effort to strengthen active transport in six pilot sites across the country, including Zamboanga, as part of the DOTr’s national strategy.
Household Interview Survey on Active Transport Mode Choice
The Household Interview Survey (HIS), cleared by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), aims to collect crucial information about walking habits, cycling potential, and factors that influence transport choices.
By gathering insights on trip patterns, demographic details, and commuter preferences, the HIS will help identify infrastructure gaps and opportunities for improvement.
🖇️ Learn more from the official PSA announcement here: PSA Clears Household Interview Survey for Active Transport Mode Choice
On-the-Ground Experience
Zamboanga’s charm is undeniable. The morning walk from Paseo Del Mar to Plaza Pershing revealed shaded sidewalks and pocket parks that make the city center pleasant even during peak heat. In the afternoon, the route from the Immaculate Conception Cathedral to the public market showcased lively street life but also highlighted urgent challenges.
Key Observations:
- Early rush hours are relatively calm in the urban core
- Some wide sidewalks are encroached by parked cars
- Pedestrianized streets are well-loved, especially during festivals
- Main city center has good pedestrian spaces, but outer areas lack safe infrastructure
- Drainage problems affect walkability year-round
- Shade from surrounding buildings makes mid-day walking tolerable in the center
- Tricycles fill gaps in pedestrian infrastructure, but sometimes discourage short walking trips
- City center sidewalks are reaching capacity; makeshift fences now restrict movement
Voices from the Walk
“
Mobility is now a privilege. For me, sa hierarchy of road users ay dapat nasa mas mataas pa ang vulnerable sector tulad ng mga bata at PWD.
—MS Student, Transport Engineer
“
May anak ako, 13 yrs old… Gusto ko sya maging independent pero the problem is the motorists. Wala talagang disiplina.
—Mother, Volunteer
“
Nareinforce kasi ang idea na pag babae ka, hindi ka dapat naglalakad mag isa. Dapat lagi ka may kasama.
—College Student
These perspectives underline how safety, cultural norms, and accessibility gaps affect daily mobility choices.
Insights and Key Learnings
The audits revealed that Zamboanga’s main city center is a strength — shaded, walkable, with active public spaces. However, moving beyond the core reveals fragmented pedestrian networks and safety risks.
Key insights:
- Shade is a natural asset — should be replicated in other areas
- Parking enforcement could immediately reclaim sidewalk space
- Drainage upgrades are critical for walkability year-round
- Pedestrian volume management requires better design, not just physical barriers
Why It Matters Beyond the Numbers
Investing in active transport in Zamboanga isn’t just about walking and cycling — it’s about:
- Safer streets for children, seniors, and PWDs
- More connected communities that encourage local commerce
- Reduced reliance on motorized trips, improving air quality
- Gender-sensitive design that addresses the unique safety concerns of women
Outcomes and Next Steps
Following the August visit, ATSMP will:
- Compile audit findings into recommendations for LGU action
- Share HIS results (October 2025) for evidence-based planning
- Develop a Zamboanga Active Transport Action Plan in line with the national ATSMP framework
How You Can Get Involved
- Join walk audits and share your observations
- Participate in the HIS survey if you’re selected
- Advocate for pedestrian-friendly policies with local leaders
The Road Ahead
The vision is clear: a Zamboanga where walking is safe, cycling is possible, and public spaces are for everyone. Through community participation, consistent enforcement, and smart infrastructure investments, the city can lead by example for other Philippine cities.
Take the Next Step
Your ideas and actions can help shape a Zamboanga where mobility is for all. Whether you walk, bike, commute, or advocate, you have a role in making this vision real. Connect with ATSMP today and be part of building safer, more inclusive streets for everyone.
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.
