Reclaiming Spaces for Bikers
The focus of the advocacy in 2006 was getting the support of the three sectors - bikers, pedicab and bike business - to help build public awareness on the importance of non-motorized transportation for social development.
Establishing alliance with bikers in the region After building public and government interest on non-motorized transport in Metro Manila, FILCONWIL moved to the provinces where riding a bike is one of the most natural things to do. Initial rapid appraisal conducted outside of Metro Manila in 2005 showed a bustling pedicab sector in Samar Island in Eastern Visayan region. Eastern Visayas or Region 8 is composed of six provinces: Southern and Northern Leyte in one island, Biliran Island, Eastern, Western and Northern Samar comprising the largest island of the region. The region has 145 Local Government Units. Western Visayas Eastern Visayas Region Region
Bikers from different parts of Eastern Visayas Region find strength in fun rides while advocating social issues such as anti- drug addition
There are eighteen (18) bikers’ clubs1 known to be existing in Eastern Visayas Region. Bikers’ clubs are usually composed of professionals who believe and practice healthy lifestyle. They are more into cycling as an exercise and the chance to compete in local bike races. There are times that different clubs get together to promote issues related to drug addiction and the environment. However, they do not programmatically promote Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) as an environmental, economic issue that needs to be integrated into the over-all strategy developmental framework of the locality. Despite the popular use of bikes however, bikers do not have bike lanes. There are no enabling structures that popularize biking culture, promote road safety of bikers, integrate non-motorized transport into the over-all transportation strategy and regulate motorized transport. Further, similar to the national situation, there are no enabling policy at the local government level on non-motorized transport.
1 Bikers’ organizations from Tacloban, Palo, Hilongos, Abuyog, Baybay, Ormoc, Maasin, Calbayog, Isabel, Naval, Albuera, Sogod, Maasin, Bato, Calbayog, Catbalogan
Amidst this situation, FILCONWIL networked with the bikers’ clubs. It worked closely with three organizations as follows: o Leyte Gulf Off-Road Association (LGORA) based in Palo, Northern Leyte o Nautilus Bikers’ Club (NABIC) based in Abuyog, Northern Leyte o Hilongos Unified Bikers (HUB) based in Hilongos, Northern Leyte In addition, an environmental advocacy group, Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) became part of FILCONWIL’s network in 2006. The immediate result of this networking process was the First Bikers’ Summit in Eastern Visayan Region on June 10-11, 2006.
Bikers’ summit The clubs of bikers eventually interlink with each other, outside of the competition arena, through the FIRST BIKERS’ SUMMIT IN REGION 8 on June 10 – 11 2006 in the town of Palo, Leyte. Preparations for the Bikers’ Summit started early in February 2006. The organizing committee was eventually formed in April and the members agreed on the following specific objectives: 1. To provide an avenue for bikers to discuss “Rights of Bikers on Roads and Highways,” NMT, and the environment. 2. To discuss organizational resolutions on NMT, which will provide the basis for policy advocacy at the local and national levels. The Summit, initially known as Bike for Hope was intended for August. It was moved to an earlier date, June 10-11, by popular demand. Bikers were eager to have it done for it would be their first experience to discuss NMT. The Bike for Hope was then renamed into the “First Bikers’ Summit in Region 8”. The committee members met several times to prepare for the Summit as all reside in different places in the region; the farthest have to travel for three hours by bus. As the preparations for the Summit went on, the local government units where the three bikers’ associations come from were also informed about it. The Mayor of Palo decided to host and co-sponsor the Bikers’ Summit providing us with venue, sound system, police security and escorts free of charge. Two hundred fifty (250) bikers, men and women, the oldest being 72 years old and the youngest at 9 years old, from different provinces across Region 8 gathered in the municipality of Palo by evening on June 10. They brought with them their organizational resolutions on NMT. A consultative workshop was conducted to finalize the resolutions.
Below is the report of our main partner, ELAC. “First Bikers’ Summit in Region 8” By: Geraldine T. Manicani ELAC The much awaited “First Bike’s Summit” in the region came to a realization through the cooperation of the organizers: Leyte Gulf Off-Road Bikers Association (LGORA), Nautilus Bikers Club (NABIC), Hilongos Unified Bikers (HUB), Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), Bilin ng Mamamayang Konsyumer (BILMAKO, Filipino Consumers’ Will). The Summit was supported by PATH-CANADA. The said activity was also supported by the Municipality of Palo. The Summit was participated by two hundred fifty (250) bikers coming from different organizations across Eastern Visayan Region1. On the 10th day of June, 2006, the activity started at two in the afternoon as bikers arrived in their bikes and by trucks at Palo Public Plaza, Palo, Northern Leyte. Others came in riding their bikes such as the Hilongos and Calbayog bikers. Hilongos bikers left their home as early as 4 am on June 10 and pedaled to Palo reaching the venue at around 3 pm. They covered a distance of approximately 140 kms of paved roads, sharing lanes with buses, trucks, motorcycles and cars. They navigated twenty six kilometers of winding road along mountainous range. On another island, bikers from Calbayog, Samar started biking at the same time but they reached Palo at around 6 pm covering a distance of more than 200 km. Bikers set up their tents at the plaza for lodging as most of them slept in the plaza. The others rested at the nearby Church. After taking rest, bikers’ organizations sat with their members and discussed their respective concerns as bikers, as basis for further actions. In the evening of June 10, Honorable Teodoro M. Sevilla, Municipal Mayor of Palo, encouraged the Summit participants to advocate further. He fully supported the activity, opened the public plaza for the Summit, and provided the sound system, police security and escorts free of charge. After the dinner, the Environment Legal Assistance Center, ELAC presented environmental concerns such as climate change and its causes. FILCONWIL discussed non-motorized transport, models of bike lanes, parking areas for bikes, etc, across the world. Bikers enjoyed the socials. They bonded for the first time as NMT stakeholders, not as competitors of bike racing. They discussed common issues such as road safety, rights and responsibilities as road users. They shared common ideals such as NMT policies. The following day, bikers woke up at 4 o’clock dawn, and started warming up for the Ride for a Cause at 5 in the morning. The general public lined sidewalks and cheered as 250 bikers claimed the streets that usually belong to the motorized transport. The bikers had a fun ride around the town proper of Palo; parading through the national highway en route to the famous tourist area of Northern Leyte, MacArthur Park; passing through rough roads to an interior village linked with a hanging steel bridge to the town proper and is only served by pedicabs; and finally to the beach. The bikers then collected garbage in Sabang beach, Palo. Collecting garbage at the beach is part of ELAC’s Solid Wastes Management Plan in coordination with the Local Government of Palo. After collecting garbage, bikers got their prize – a hearty breakfast and returned home happy. “Fun Ride for Safe Roads, Better Lives and Healthier Environment” was the main objective of the summit. Through this summit, bikers wanted to be recognized that they too have their rights on the road. Bikers wanted the local and the national government to promote non-motorized transportation and enjoy our nature’s scenery. “Bike for Health… Bike for Clean Environment… Bike for Better Lives!”. This kind of gathering is an avenue to promote clean and green environment, which will likely to result in good health, not only for bikers but also for non-bikers. There will be less pollution. At the same time an exercise while gazing at God’s creation. As children appreciate biking, it will instill environment awareness at the same time social responsibility to be a part for a common cause. Modeling of such vision helps us spread our individual responsibility as part of our nature. It is encouraging that there are existing groups, which advocate just as us… helping us in promoting a healthy environment, that is safe to live in. As always emphasized, we are part of our nature and we ought to protect our environment.
Promoting NMT in Bike Races Bikers’ organizations, with the help of Local Government Units, in Region 8 sponsor around 8-12 major biking events per year, held during fiestas. There are minor competitions in small villages as well. These events are usually racing competitions and not a forum for discussions to deepen their understanding of NMT and advocate for others to join their cause. Trophies and Shirts for NMT popularization In coordination with partner bikers’ clubs, FILCONWIL participated in municipal bike races to advocate non-motorized transport especially the popularization of the pedicab. FILCONWILL participated in 6 local races and one international race by: • Supporting three bikers’ organizations to participate the International biking festival, Terry Larrazabal Race, gaining a chance to network with bikers from different regions. • Supporting the biking races in Palo twice to popularize the needs for bike lanes and bike park. • Supporting the bike races in Maasin City and Hilongos to advocate the integration of the pedicab sector into the formal transport strategy of the locality • Supporting the bike race in Bato to enhance the budding bikers’ organization in the town • Providing bikes to women who participated in the Abuyog bike race to encourage women’s participation and to emphasize their equal importance in the NMT campaign. Not all of bike races include women. But NABIC2 and the Local Government of Abuyog established a division where women from different towns could participate. FILCONWIL recognized the women’s participation in the NMT campaign. This was particularly encouraging as Abuyog Mayor Ofelia K. Traya herself a biker, personally handed the bikes to the women participants.
FILCONWIL volunteers to provide first aid to a woman biker during the race in Palo, Leyte in October, 2006
2 Nautilus Bikers Club based in Abuyog town. LGORA’S KAUSWAGAN MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE 2006 I. RATIONALE Commemorating the Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary reminds us of the historic liberation of our country from Japanese hostilities and to give honor of our Filipino World-War II veterans. On this yearly event, different activities are conducted to make the celebration more meaningful and festive, to include sports competitions in which the Leyte Gulf Off-Road Bikers Association, Inc. (LGORA) has made it a tradition to participate during this annual activity. LGORA has been organizing mountain bikes races since it was formally organized sometime in 1994, as one of its primary objectives. LGORA wants to continue and strengthen its advocacy in promoting mountain biking as a regular physical fitness to develop healthy lifestyle and to support environmental preservation activities such as the Non-Motorized Transportation (NMT). Furthermore, it provides venue for mountain bike enthusiasts in the province to develop competitiveness, unity among bikers, and most especially encourage more individuals into the sport. II. OBJECTIVES 1. To promote mountain biking as regular physical activity to develop healthy lifestyle; 2. To support the Non-Motorized Transportation (NMT); 3. To provide venue for bike enthusiasts in developing higher level of competitiveness, skill, unity among bikers and most especially encourage more individuals into the sports; and 4. To add festive mood in this year's celebration of the Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary. III. RACE ROUTE The race to be held on October 15, 2006 starts in MacArthur Park, Palo and runs through 12 villages or barangays, covering a total distance of 40 Kms from Start to Finish Line. IV. ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED 1. Provincial Government of Leyte 2. Local Government Unit of Palo, Leyte 3. Bilin ng Mamamayang Konsyumer, BILMAKO, Inc. (Filipino Consumers’ Will or FILCONWIL) 4. Leyte Gulf Off-Road Bikers Association, Inc. (LGORA) 5. Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) 6. Leyte Coalition of Outdoor Enthusiasts for the Environment 7. Rescue 1925 8. Access 5 9. Youth Organizations of Palo, Leyte Media Partners 1. Star FM Tacloban 2. i-FM Tacloban 3. Leyte Samar Daily Express
Rain or shine, the pedicab sector provides services to the commuting public
Establishing alliance with the pedicab sector FILCONWIL believed that the pedicab sector, more than providing subsistence income to the unemployed, must be considered as partners in promoting environmentally friendly mode of public transportation. However, the sector is left on its own. Of the four provinces in Eastern Visayas that were visited in 2006, around 50 per cent of the municipalities and cities have pedicabs servicing the public within the town proper. This is still partial estimate as FILCONWIL continues its data gathering. Despite the pedicabs popularity, there are no enabling structures supportive of the pedicab. What was found was a set of policies enacted by local government units that tax and regulate the low earning pedicab sector, while leaving the drivers to mind their individual safety along roads. Of the 48 municipalities and cities visited throughout Eastern Visayas Region in 2006, an estimated 26,000 pedicabs provided public transport service in short-distance routes within the town proper. Of these number, an estimated 30-50 per cent are on the streets taking passengers at any given time throughout the day. It is estimated because not all passenger pedicabs are registered with the LGU to avoid paying the registration, license fees. Payment for such fees range from one hundred pesos (US$2.08) to one thousand two hundred pesos (US$25) depending on the town. Partial estimates from 48 municipalities and cities show that the LGUs earn about 9.4 million Philippine pesos (US$196,115.82) annually from the lowly pedicab sector. The sector provides informal employment to young men who do not have the opportunity for a more gainful employment, taking home a daily income of US$1 – US$3 or US$5 perhaps during certain occasions.
The pedicab sector also provides economic opportunities for the physically challenged individuals.
Left:. He uses his pedicab to transport farm produce from the pier to the town proper in Calbayog City, Samar Island. Above. Another pedicab driver drives his cab with his hands to transport baggages from the pier to the nearest public transport such as taxi in Cebu City, Cebu.
In Metro Manila, an estimated 8,000 pedicabs service the public. Partial estimates of annual LGU earnings from registration and license fees to operate and drive pedicab amount to PhP1,379,585 (US$28,741.35). There is no uniform rate among the LGUs, even among neighboring ones. This is also seen in Metropolitan Manila where the contiguous 17 cities and municipalities are organized under the umbrella of Metropolitcan Manila Development Authority do not have a uniform license and registration fees for pedicabs. The next question that FILCONWIL would like to know is how much does the government save from pedicab in terms of fuel consumption, pollution, health. Businessmen also earn a lot from the pedicab sector. A certain businessman in Northern Leyte, Eastern Visayas Region has a shop fully devoted to building pedicabs. He contracts drivers who pay him a daily remittance of PhP 50 (1US$) each unit of pedicab used for public transport . With a flock of 250 pedicabs, the businessman earns US$250 daily. He is able to recoup his capital for a bike in 200 days or more or less 8 months and from his over all capital in 5-6 months time. With a pedicab lasting for 15 years, the businessman gains from the lowly pedicab sector. In summary, the government, businessmen and the public gain from the lowly pedicab sector which is constantly harassed by the motorized transport, poor take home income, and lack of government support.
Night attack in Tacloban City: Fourteen pedicab drivers were caught by local authorities and were towed to the police station for picking up passengers without paying the city-imposed regulation fees. This is the pedicab’s price for helping clean the air and for providing public transport service.
Empowering the pedicab sector FILCONWIL networked with pedicab and operators organization in seven municipalities in Region 8. It worked with four (4) pedicab drivers’ and operators’ associations3 and three (3) pedicab builders. The most common problems encountered by the pedicab sector in the province are threats of being phased out from the streets by the government. FILCONWIL believes that the government, both national and local does not have a comprehensive knowledge of the relevance and contribution of the pedicab sector. The constant threats from being phased out prompt pedicab drivers to organize. For example, pedicab drivers in Calbayog in Samar, Maasin City in Southern Leyte and Hilongos in Northern Leyte organized and engaged with the LGUs. FILCONWIL for its part engaged with the leadership of the pedicab organization on strategies and lobbied with the LGU on the significance of pedicab as public transport. FILCONWIL also included pedicabs in all activities. As of December 2006, the LGUs of Calbayog, Maasin City and Hilongos have not made any move to abolish them. Thus the realization that pedicab drivers need to organize themselves for institutions to recognize their contribution as transport provider and partner in environmental preservation. In another part of Leyte Island, Ormoc City is a beautiful, small city by the bay. Largely a flat land compared to most municipalities in Region 8, the LGU does not allow pedicabs on its roads. Pedicabs, numbering about 20 units resort to cat and mouse to earn. This is ironic because one of the well participated biking tournaments in the country is held in Ormoc City annually. Its proponent Terry Larrazabal Foundation claims eco-cycling tourism as its banner for advocacy. Likewise, pedicabs are not allowed in the main center of Tacloban City. These two cities in region 8 would have been the most strategic cities to integrate NMT because of their size, flat land and their economic and political relevance to the region. FILCONWIL considers these two cities to be the next focus of NMT advocacy in 2007.
In addition, FILCONWIL consulted with pedicab builders in three Visayas regions regarding design, cost, practicality of the design, materials, marketing and post-sales service, management including economic side of maintaining designers and welder/helpers. The design varies from places to places and is dependent on the intended use whether the pedicab is for transport of people or goods. They differ in over-all width, roofing, back design, size of wheels. But all of them showcase Filipino’s ingenuity and desire to pursue an honest livelihood.
3 Pedicab organizations from Hilongos, Maasin, Ormoc, Sogod
Most commonly used pedicabs from right topmost clockwise: passenger pedicabs in Metro Manila; specially designed pedicab used to sell popcorn and peanuts in Hilongos, N. Leyte; for school children in McArthur, N. Leyte; flaunting roof in tourist area Boracay Island, Panay; Iloilo province, Western Visayas Region;; Calbayog and Catbalogan in Samar Island. Bike shop The Bike Shop aims to provide pedicab drivers who don’t own the pedicabs they are using at a minimal cost to be paid in installment basis depending on the capability or daily earning of the drivers. Based on current prices of materials and labor, the initial cost of pedicab starts from PhP9,500/pedicab, the pedicab driver will pay PhP12,500 FILCONWIL (US$260) per unit, on installment collaborated with a local basis. The driver can pay the welding shop to establish entire cost in 15-16 months at the first Bike Shop in PhP30 per day. This price is Sogod, Southern Leyte. cheaper than the commercial price per unit of PhP16,000 ($333) on cash basis. This price is doubled if paid on installment basis for about 2 years and five months. The bike shop initially built three units for the Sogod Pedicab Drivers’ Association in Sogod, Southern Leyte. However, the organization’s members did not agree with FILCONWIL’s proposal for the pedicab organization to collectively own the pedicabs as it will be the assigned driver who will utilize the unit and pay for its cost based on his daily income. It was later agreed that the individual members will own the pedicabs while the organization will help ensure that each members will pay for the period agreed on. The bike shop also intended to provide repair services to all pedicabs in the town at minimal cost. Because of the geographical location of Sogod, which was cut off several times from the rest of the island due to land slide in 2006 (another route takes longer and more expensive to travel), FILCONWIL decided to make the bike shop mobile. This strategy is to enable our local partners to own a pedicab and use this in remote areas where pedicabs are most needed. Currently 10 unit of pedicabs are now being assembled from the request of a village council in Barangay Borba, Dulag, Northern Leyte headed by Captain Dick Lazarez. They have chosen local applicants to be the first ten recipients of the project. The operation is now co-managed by FILCONWIL and the Village council. The council pays for the electricity, bike shop and houses the workers. FILCONWIL takes charge of the materials, builders and The first pedicab product of the design. the Bike Shop competes for passengers with the motorized A novel initiative, FILCONWIL tricycle for short distance continues to propagate alternative travels within Sogod source of income and means of occupation amidst proliferation of motorbikes distributors all over the country. The pedicab businessman has proven that building pedicabs as public transport is financially viable.
Establishing alliance with Local Government Units in the region Pedicab drivers and bikers alike have come to realize that they too can get organized and advocate for changes for the public, transport sector and the government to recognize their rights on the road. Based on FILCONWIL’s experiences in Metro Manila where the relationship between the organized pedicab sector and the Local Government Units (LGUs) became hostile, the mode of engagement in the provinces became conciliatory and complementary.
Above: FILCONWIL met with Palo town Mayor Dr. Teodoro M. Sevilla. in a bike race on July 30, 2006. Palo LGU co- sponsored the first Bikers’ Summit. Right: Maasin City Mayor Damian Mercado handed “I Like Bike’ t-shirts to Pedicab drivers who participated in the local race on August 8. Below: NABIC president Roger facilitated the meeting between FILCONWIL and Abuyog town Mayor Ofelia K. Traya (Right) on August 26.
FILCONWIL engaged with Local Government Units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayan Region in coordination with the municipal bikers’ organizations. FILCONWIL had the chance to communicate with the town mayors during bike races. The advocacy with the LGUs focused on: • Bike lanes • Bike park • Non-phasing of passenger pedicabs • Organized, pedestrian and NMT-friendly transport town planning • Women’s participation in NMT
Bike lanes Majority of the national, provincial, municipal road networks in the Philippines can only accommodate one automobile on one lane. The available 2 meter-shoulder is usually utilized as parking areas, loading bays but never designated for NMT. FILCONWIL draws lessons from Marikina City as it advocates bike lanes. Of the 17 LGUs comprising Metro Manila, only Marikina City has an integrated bikeways connecting communities to employment centers, schools, markets, parks and light railway stations. The LGU employs several strategies to popularize the non-motorized component of its traffic management program, among them are: o Creation of a bikeway office within the LGU responsible for a. Bicycle safety education campaign to schoolchildren b. Interest-free bicycle loan program for low-income city employees c. Bike Night at the Marikina Sports Park which encourages women and children to bike and d. Holding an annual summer cycling events and competitions o Tapping volunteer cycling clubs in the city to help in teaching the basic fundamentals and skills of biking to schools. o Employing bike patrol volunteers that roam around the city, and report any untoward incidents to the police. Outside of Marikina, pedicabs continue to sprout along corners and narrow streets in busy sections of Metro Manila. After a public clamor in 2005, Quezon City began implementing bike lanes in some of its communities in 2006. Unfortunately, it showcased the worst example in terms of lack of planning and foresight in urban transport and urban development. The bike lane signs are hung along side street signs but are not clear. Motorized transport does not recognize the bike routes. Further, city planners did not consider appropriate integration of bike routes with the public transport. For example in a residential place in Quezon City, the streets designated as part of the bike routes have been the route for public motor transport for decades. Narrow as they are, allocating bike lanes made the streets even restrictive. Meanwhile, parallel streets are left unutilized. Consequently, the designated bike lanes were continually used by motorized public and private transport and as parking lots by residents similar to the picture. One can sense that the bike lanes were established to fail right from the start.
Bike Park Due to the clamor of bikers’ organizations, bike Parks were advocated in the vibrant municipalities of Hilongos, Abuyog and Palo in Northern Leyte. These towns are home to three bikers’ organizations that became very active in propagating the NMT advocacy – namely NABIC, LGORA and HUB. By far, it is only in Hilongos where the Mayor, Hon. Panfilo Go, Chair of municipal committee on education, Hon. Lilia M. Sabando, municipal administrator, school officials have signified their interest and commitment in establishing the bike park. Please see proposed Memorandum of Agreement (Please see Annex). Novel as it is, FILCONWIL and the bikers’ organization had to meet the LGU officials almost weekly towards the end of 2006 and first quarter of 2007 to iron out questions on where to put the bike park, lot ownership, funding, data, park management. It took almost three months before FILCONWIL was able to get the layout of the lot where the proposed bike park is to be established. It was almost four months when finally the LGU, school officials, local bikers and FILCONWIL agreed on where to put the bike park. Finally, the Bike Park will be located at the back of FILCONWIL with bikers from two the National Vocational High School, covering 3,000-4,000 square meters adjacent to the stadium (Please see picture organizations, and 30 pedicab drivers below). It will benefit around 8 elementary schools and 6 high went to the Abuyog municipal hall to meet schools within the immediate vicinity. the LGU officials on December 18, 2006 to formally bring the bike park proposal.
Hilongos has a population of almost 60,000, 45% of which are below 15 years old.
The HUB In Hilongos
Hilongos is a historic, coastal town of Northern Leyte facing the Camotes Sea. It boasts of preserving
the 17th century Catholic Church and cota located in the town center. The "cota" or fort is one of the six
existing forts built by the Spanish colonizers in the country.
Hilongos has 36 elementary and primary schools. There are 6 secondary schools scattered throughout the municipality. One of the public schools is Hilongos National Vocational School, which offers high school and three-year Trade Technical Education Program. Thriving mainly on agriculture, Hilongos’s produce sustains local basic needs.
It has an unemployment rate of 30%. The unemployed finds income from the informal economy, part of
which is catered by the pedicab sector.
Calixto Rabe, popularly known as Ka Estong is the oldest among bikers who is always enthusiastic of fun rides and races. At the age of 72, he was also the oldest participant in the Bikers’ Summit. His vintage 46 year old bike is also a road veteran as he uses it for racing, fun ride and for selling fish around villages. He is a regular in the 72-km fun-ride every Sunday from his home town in Hilongos to Maasin City and back. Asked why he does it, biking makes him happy and healthy. A non-smoker, Ka Estong is a long-time member of Hilongos Unified Bikers (HUB).
Non-phasing of passenger pedicabs Similar to the situation in Metro Manila, the LGUs have not yet fully recognized the contribution of pedicabs as a public transport provider, partner in environmental-friendly endeavors and dollar saving measures from non-utilization of expensive fuels. FILCONWIL encouraged dialogues between the pedicab sector and the LGU officials. It also ensured that the pedicabs are part of the NMT activities such as fun rides and races as far as the situation will allow it.
FILCONWIL and Maasin City officials addressed the crowd of pedicab drivers who joined the race on August 8, 2006 to celebrate the city’s Charter Day. The celebration also marked the end of the threats from being phased out from the streets.
Organized, pedestrian and NMT-friendly transport town planning FILCONWIL observed that between 70-90% of the trips of motorized, public tricycle around the town proper of Hilongos during rush hour early in the evening is empty with passengers. This is the time when the public in their motorbikes and bicycles go to the market. The town proper is within a kilometer radius where the church, municipal hall, market, terminal for public transport, groceries, restaurants, basketball court and a children’s park are located. FILCONWIL discussed with the LGU to prohibit the motorized tricycle from roaming around within this radius while freely allowing pedicabs and bicycles to pass through. This will free up the main thoroughfares leading to centers of activity, less pollution and hopefully will encourage people to walk. This was however temporarily shelved as the LGU thought this is not the most opportune time as the elections are going to be held in May 2007. Women participation in NMT advocacy FILCONWIL encouraged women participation in its activities. Several women bikers participated in the Bikers’ Summit from different towns and provinces. It also supported inclusion of women bikers in the municipal races to inspire more women to go into biking.
Above: Father and daughter bikers from Baybay biked for 83 kms. to attend the Bikers’ Summit in Palo. Right: Seven young women bikers from different towns participated in the Abuyog race on August 26, 2006. Advocacy The workshop output in the Bikers’ Summit became the policy guideline for the NMT advocacy. FILCONWIL addressed the misconception of policy makers, government officials and the public that motorized transportation is a sign of modernization and development. Poor families generally think that owning a motor bike is a sign of economic improvement. The strategy utilized was to create a brand name – “I Like Bikes” – designed to reduce public stigma against NMT as a sign of backwardness. FILCONWIL focused on pedicab’s contribution to the environment and public service as mainstream transport strategy and the rights of bikers as legitimate road users. FILCONWIL also negotiated for the inclusion of pedicabs during fun rides. To propagate this, FILCONWIL engaged during races, delivered public speeches during town fiesta, region-wide distribution of banners, streamers and pamphlets. Bikers and pedicab drivers also became walking advertisers of “I Like Bikes”. Policy Enactment and enforcement of policies promoting healthy lifestyle are now part of the 5-year Province-wide Investment Plan for Health of Southern Leyte. The Plan has already been approved by the Department of Health, Southern Leyte Provincial Development Council, endorsed by the mayors and policy-making bodies of all municipalities and city of Southern Leyte. It is now part of the Executive and Legislative Agenda for Health which the LGUs of Southern Leyte are mandated to allocate funds. This intervention is part of the multi-strategies to reduce mortality due to cardiovascular diseases by 2 % until 2010. The specific strategy calls for pedestrian-friendly infrastructures including walkways in road shoulders, bike lanes; healthy lifestyle centers in government facilities, tobacco control policies. Meanwhile, there are 5 NMT-related bills filed in Congress. Four of these bills are specifically meant for bike lanes. Unfortunately, these were not part of the priority bills deliberated in Congress in 2006.
Media Unlike in 2005 when the government was forced to respond to calls for NMT as a viable option for the rising fuel and tremendous traffic and pollution, the articles that came out on NMT in 2006 were mostly: • Biking as an environmental issue: o integrated in the advocacy on renewable energy related to climate change o energy conservation
• on regulation imposing: o government-defined safety measures such clean windshields, garbage receptacle, functioning horn, two signal lights, tail light, white head lights in front and red tail light, sticker with body number of the vehicle, fully operating mufflers and roadworthiness of the tricycle/pedicab unit. NMT was mixed up with the motorized bikes in this regard o allowed routes
• Experiences of Marikina City on its integrated biking system
Some Metro Manila government units also published their “Sustainable Road Network in the city” such as Quezon City. Unfortunately, despite the public call for an integration of NMT into the transport system, the Quezon City “sustainable road network plan” does not consider the NMT. Its initial 10- biking route plan is not integrated into the road network.
FILCONWIL’s own media campaign resulted in the publication of Tagalog articles in Pinoy Weekly, coverage in local regional radio and national TV stations.
Bikers have to be on the inner or outermost lane to be on the “safe side” along Commonwealth
Ave., Quezon City to avoid being bumped off by buses, trucks, jeeps and cars. This main highway connects the residential part of the City to workplaces
Community advocacy Data from Metro Manila confirms FILCONWIL’s advocacy theme that bikes are the safest mode of transport. Despite the hazards of biking in Metro Manila, bikes including pedicabs rank second from the last to be involved in fatal vehicular accident. Bikes are the least to be involved in non-fatal vehicular accident. They are also the cheapest in terms of repair cost.
Percentage of Fatal Vehicle Accident and Repair Cost Vehicle Type No. of Units Involved Percentage Repair Cost (PhP) cycle/pedicab 14 5.17 500 Motorcycle 21 7.75 1,500 Motor tricycle 22 8.12 2,000 Car 58 21.4 28,645 Jeepney 40 14.76 9,500 taxi/Fx 13 4.8 28,645 Bus 16 5.9 148,500 Van 33 12.18 28,645 Truck 54 19.93 20,000 Total 271 100 Source: Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (2003)
Percentage of Non-Fatal Vehicle Accident and Repair Cost Vehicle Type No. of Units Percentage Repair Cost (PhP) Involved cycle/pedicab 95 3.02 500 Motorcycle 521 16.56 1,500 motor tricycle 302 9.6 2,000 Car 761 24.18 28,645 Jeepney 566 17.99 9,500 taxi/Fx 248 7.88 28,645 Bus 128 4.07 148,500 Van 366 11.63 28,645 Truck 160 5.08 20,000 Total 3,147 100 Source: Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (2003) In the provinces, FILCONWIL worked closely with the network of bikers and pedicab organizations to popularize the NMT in the communities and during races.
Counterclockwise: Above, FILCONWIL provided tarpaulin posters that also serve as protective covering for the pedicab’s rear. Bikers post I Like Bike posters during races. Below: FILCONWIL provided bicycles for children’s playtime in the community of pedicab partners.
Annex I
DRAFT MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT February 24, 2007
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
This AGREEMENT entered into and executed by and between the following parties:
The MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF HILONGOS, PROVINCE OF LEYTE, a local government unit established and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with office address at the Municipal Hall, Hilongos, Leyte, represented herein by HONORABLE PANFILO O. GO., Municipal Mayor and hereinafter referred to as the “MUNICIPAL LGU” of Hilongos, Leyte;
– and –
The HILONGOS NATIONAL VOCATION HIGH SCHOOL, a public school under the Department of Education, located in Hilongos, Leyte, represented herein by ______, (Superintendent and/or School Principal) and hereinafter referred to as HNVS;
– and –
The HILONGOS UNIFIED BIKERS’ ASSOCIATION, a local Non-Government, Non-Profit Organization of bikers and biking enthusiasts, with office address at Hilongos, Northern Leyte, represented herein by ______, President and hereinafter referred to as HUB;
– and –
The HILONGOS PEDICAB DRIVERS’ ASSOCIATION, a local Non-Government, Non-Profit Organization of pedicab drivers, represented herein by ______, President and hereinafter referred to as HIPODA;
– and – The FILIPINO CONSUMERS’ WILL (BILIN NG MAMAMAYANG KONSYUMER), a Non-Government, Non-Profit Organization working on environmental concerns, represented herein by MR. TOMAS AGULTO, Project Manager and hereinafter referred to as BILMAKO.
WITNESSETH THAT:
WHEREAS, the Mayor of Hilongos, Leyte, by virtue of Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. ____, series of 2007, is given the authority to enter into a MOA with HNVS, HUB, HIPODA and BILMAKO;
WHEREAS all parties respect and acknowledge the principle of partnership and cooperation; WHEREAS, all parties share a common vision of a healthy citizenry, ;
WHEREAS, the Municipal LGU of Hilongos, HNVS, HUB, HIPODA, and BILMAKO, have signified their willingness to cooperate in line with the “bayanihan spirit” to implement the Bike Park at the Sports Arena, Oval Stadium, HNVS, Hilongos, Leyte;
WHEREAS, all parties agree in good faith, to have an effective and efficient Bike Park;
WHEREAS, all parties commit themselves to respect these principles in order to create a favorable environment for a healthy community;
WHEREAS, the parties concerned shall share learning experiences with other LGUs and organizations in the region and other parts of the country;
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing premises and by way of formalizing and confirming their commitment, the parties hereby mutually agree to enter into agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions hereunder set forth.
I. OBJECTIVES AND AREAS OF COOPERATION
A. Objectives. The general objective of this cooperation is to provide a venue where the population, of all ages, can congregate and perform health-promotive, disease-preventive activities by establishing a Bike Park. Specifically, the Bike Park will provide a venue where: a. Children and young adults learn how to bike; b. Bikers can practice; c. Adults and senior citizens can exercise; d. People of all ages can walk and breathe fresh air e. People can get information on healthy lifestyle including non-motorized transportation, physical movement, healthy diet, avoiding smoking, etc.
B. Areas of Cooperation. The signing parties of this MOA shall cooperate to organize and implement initiatives promotive and supportive of the aforementioned objectives, to wit
II. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
A. To ensure the security, cleanliness, effective utilization of the Bike Park, a Committee shall be set up, composed of the representatives of the policy making body (Sangguniang Bayan) of the municipality of Hilongos, HUB and HIPODA);
1. Role and Responsibilities. • The Committee shall be primarily responsible for ensuring the security, cleanliness of the Bike Park • The Committee shall be responsible for establishing mechanisms to earn revenues for payment of utilities and other necessary expenditures, for crafting the implementing rules and regulations for this income-generating project. • The Committee shall be responsible for assigning a person(s) to
III. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS
A. Municipal Government a. Sangguniang Bayan i. Pass municipal ordinances on the following 1. Management of Bike park 2. Smoke free public places, 3. Sale of food and beverages with nutritional value (prohibition of food and beverages that contain ingredients harmful to health) b. Allocate funding to the development of the Bike Park
B. HUB a. Manage the Bike Park in collaboration with the Municipal Government and other signatories of the MOA
C. HIPODA a. Manage the Bike Park in collaboration with the Municipal Government and other signatories of the MOA
D. HILONGOS NATIONAL VOCATION HIGH SCHOOL a. Provide the lot for the Bike Park b. Promote non-motorized transport among its students
E. BILMAKO a. Design of the Bike Park b. Provision of bikes for rent. Proceeds of this income-generating project will be utilized to maintain the Bike Park
V. MONITORING AND EVALUATION
VIII. AMENDMENTS AND EFFECTIVITY
The parties hereto may, upon mutual agreement, amend, alter or modify this Memorandum of Agreement by and through a document signed by the parties.
This Memorandum of Agreement shall take effect upon signing of all parties and shall remain in full force and effect, unless sooner revoked or terminated by mutual agreement of parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto set their hands this ____ day of ______2007 in ______.
Annex II
FIRST BIKERS SUMMIT IN REGION 8 FRAMEWORK OF RESOLUTIONS ON NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION (NMT)
Recognition of the NMT as a sustainable, economical, healthy and environment-friendly means of transportation - Recognition of Bikes and Pedicabs as legitimate private and public utility vehicles in town and cities; - Facilitate utilization of NMT in the progressive flow of traffic of goods, mobility of people towards a sustainable business and social environment; - Control of excessive use of motorized transportation in order to reduce air and noise pollution, through such measures as high fees for car and motorcycle parking, restrictions on issuance of car and motorcycle licenses, creation of MT-free areas, etc.;
Integration of NMT into the transportation strategy of the city/municipality - allocation of road space, lanes, for NMT, and enforcement to maintain those areas as NMT-only; - biking routes specified in the city / town planning development
Creation of an NMT agency in the national and LGU levels to propagate and promote NMT and all its stakeholders;
Promotion and Protection of all bike users, and all NMT STAKEHOLDERS
Support for NMT industry regarding the proliferation of pedicab builders, bike factories and other accessories for bikes and pedicabs;
Increase NMT capacity to participate in national development as a distinct sector entitled to government resources or assistance, economic incentives and legal remedies,
7. Uphold environmental integrity as an authentic legacy to future generations.
Define and promote policies, laws and other such concrete measures to make NMT viable and sustainable.
No to pollution and overpriced gasoline! Yes to Non-Motorized Transportation!