Manila, Philippines – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is now urging all local government units in the country to implement Car-Free Sundays to encourage the public to become physically active through exercise.
Under the Car-Free Sundays program, selected roads with wide spaces will be temporarily closed to vehicles.
Instead, these roads will be opened to the public where people can walk, jog, ride bicycles, exercise, and participate in other recreational activities that promote better health.
According to the DILG, this initiative is also in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for local government units to create and organize programs that promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
Based on the 2023 National Nutrition Survey, the number of Filipinos who are overweight and obese continues to increase.
The survey shows that four out of every ten Filipinos are considered overweight and are at risk of diseases such as Diabetes and Heart Disease.
Aside from Car-Free Sundays, the DILG also encouraged LGU’s to organize fun runs, Zumba sessions, community sports events, and other fitness activities.
It can be recalled that last week, the Department of Health (DOH) successfully launched the Kalyesugan program along Tomas Morato Avenue, which has the same goal.
Aside from Quezon City and other cities in Metro Manila, Car-Free Sundays are also being implemented in Baguio City, Iloilo City, and Davao City.
Meanwhile, the agency reminded local government units to include a re-routing plan in their Car-Free Sundays program for motorists who may be affected by the temporary road closures.