HEALTH-FOCUSED. The Baguio City government continues to promote a walkable city by ensuring that its streets are safe both for pedestrians and motorists. As part of its pedestrianization effort, the city government has completed renovation works on its first “Living Street” project, which is along the Perfecto and Carantes Streets at the foot of Session Road. (PNA file photo)
BAGUIO CITY – The city government has completed and is ready to inaugurate its first “Living Street” project, which allows the sustainable use of a road by providing necessary infrastructure for both the pedestrians and the motorists.
It has renovated Perfecto and Carantes Streets at the foot of Session Road by putting flower boxes to look like a garden which, City Engineering Office (CEO) head Edgar Victorio Olpindos said not only made the streets beautiful but serve as a reason for drivers to slow down to help reduce risk of crash and lessen the severity of collisions.
“These safety features have direct impact on people on foot and bicycles, patrons of the businesses along the sidewalk, and those behind the wheel,” he said.
Olpindos said it is one of the initiatives towards making Baguio a pedestrianized city, where people can freely walk while relaxing and enjoying, and have safe and accessible transportation options.
“The living street concept was developed by the city government based on existing laws and proven streetscape designs adopted in line with its thrusts and policies on pedestrianization, complete street, urban redevelopment and resiliency,” he said.
“It is a street that is safe for all users, regardless of age, ability, income, race, ethnicity, or mode of travel,” he added.
The implementation of the project began in early 2022 but was halted in December of the same year after the contractor failed to deliver the desired output.
It underwent comprehensive assessment, redesign and rebidding and was later resumed by the new contractor until its completion.
Aileen Refuerzo, city chief information officer, said the “Breath Baguio” promotion is geared towards having healthy citizens by providing more venues where people can leisurely walk while pursuing their daily routines.
“Baguio is perfect for walking and it is a healthy habit to have especially for the busy ones who cannot spare the time to do daily exercise,” she said in Filipino. (PNA)
