At least two regions in Mindanao (Region XI and SOCCSKSARGEN) are among the four (4) regions in the county which posted a level of urbanization of 66.8%, higher than the national level of 54%. Urbanization in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region also rose to 50.3% (2020) from 48.5% (2016) and 36.6% (2020) from 33.5% (2016), respectively. 

With all the people flocking to the cities, it’s no wonder roads in major urban areas are often jammed with traffic. Everyday commuter woes are broadcasted on social media, with millions of workers and students hard-pressed to travel because of the dire transport situation. Cars dominate roads, leaving little to no room for alternative modes of transportation to share the space.

But Filipinos continue to persevere. Whether that’s through public transport, cycling, or walking, Filipino commuters continue to brave the traffic. This is despite the lacking infrastructure that caters to alternate modes of travel, particularly non-motorized transportation.

This calls for Local Government Units (LGUs) to completely reorient urban development, prioritizing commuters and pedestrians over car-centric infrastructure.

Everyone counts, everyone matters

In an attempt to get policymakers to shift gears towards sustainable transport, the Mobility Awards, convened by Climate Reality Philippines with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, 350 Pilipinas, MNL Moves, and Pinay Bike Commuter Community, has been mobilizing the volunteer-driven nationwide bicycle count project Bilang Siklista since 2020.

Through this initiative, we help local governments collect on-ground data about the challenges of commuting in cities, especially for cyclists. 

With rapid urbanization clogging their cities, Mindanao face the huge task of making their roads traversable for their constituents. Optimizing urban planning for pedestrians and consumers is the end goal, but the simple bike count activities are a good start.

The bike count activities in the region were made possible by the partnership between city governments and local cycling groups. 

This year, the bike count in the cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Butuan was led by the city government through the Transportation and Traffic Management Office in Davao and Butuan, and the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office in Cagayan de Oro. 

Together with the regional partners, the count was also supported by the Bike All Terrain Trekkers and Cross-country Klub (Bike Attack-Cagayan de Oro), Butuan Cardio Cycling, and the United Cycling Adventure Society Inc. (UNICAS).

For the many Bilang Siklista volunteers, it was inspiring to see how the city governments spearheaded the activities. This showcases the LGUs’ commitment to recalibrate their urban planning strategies to incorporate sustainability and inclusivity.

Bilang Siklista also fostered strong partnerships between city governments and cyclists, bringing them closer by providing a platform of consultation and coordination. These unities are crucial in transforming present urban infrastructure, making them livable and sustainable for years to come.

The need for sustainable urban development

Efficient urban development is inclusive, sustainable, and innovative.  It is built on the needs of city dwellers, while also considering local, national, and international viewpoints on active transport. 

More importantly, good urban development takes into account not just the present stakeholders. It also looks to provide a livable environment for future generations.

This is where sustainable mobility comes in.

Beyond establishing vibrant economies, urban LGUs must adopt sustainable urban transformation for their constituents. These include science-backed climate solutions to reduce greater impacts to communities and the environment. 

An example of these solutions is promoting eco-friendly transportation like cycling, walking, and utilizing e-vehicles and public transportation. These alternatives to fossil-fueled private vehicles help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, not to mention keep air pollution in public spaces at the minimum. 

Other ways to promote sustainable urban planning is through renewable energy, green architecture, resource management, as well as mitigation and adaptation infrastructure.