THE pedestrianization of roads, which is encouraged in many developed countries, is said to be a sign of "people-oriented" cities.
Unfortunately in our place, the idea has always met opposition, obviously due to barriers that include; merchants’ and transport convenience, and those who care less about the benefits of a "balanced and healthful ecology."
In an overseas training we had in Japan three years ago, we had the opportunity to be immersed in many cities from Osaka, to Kobe, to Matsuyama and its neighboring Omishima Islands. All of the cities and towns there encourage people to walk, or ride a bike, despite their efficient public transportation. While at the Ehime town hall for a courtesy call, we saw the town’s mayor walking towards us from a kilometer a way. The Mayor, who is wearing an ID like a kindergarten, told us how most people walk 3-5 kilometers to get to their work and school. “In our country, people there do not want to walk!” my friend humorously replied. The official, who was not laughing, looked rather amused.
My friends from Manila dissected the whole experience during that day’s dinner. “How can we have a culture of walking when there is no side walk to speak of? Even if there is, it is used as a parking lot?” said the one from Pasay. “Is it even safe to walk at night in there?” added the one from Quezon City. "Iba kasi talaga sa atin no?” said the Mindanaoan. They asked me about Baguio City and Benguet, and I said, "…still the safest in the country!." "Hindi nga? Di ba every night may balita na may bugbugan sa inyo?” the Manilena teased. "Hindi… nagprapractice lang sila ng MMA. Mahilig kasi kami sa Martial Arts doon eh" I grinned.
An urban planner I met in Singapore lectured that, “Pedestrianization reduces obvious social inequalities…why would a private car owner have more rights to public spaces than the ordinary pedestrian who does not have a car?” This was the constant proposition in the consultations I attended regarding the pedestrianization of Session Road. A transport leader insists however that, “Isu ngarud nga Session “Road” ta Kalsada, haan nga sidewak”. Funny to think about when the most memorable expression regarding the area for any i-Baguio is: "Entayo ‘magna’ jay Session Road." "Magna" – "walk."
Same challenge is real in the other BLISTT areas. The most walkable area in La Trinidad is obviously, the Benguet State University Campus – the unofficial park/playground of the i-La Trinidads. Tuba is mostly a “highway of great experiences” but they have the mountains where they can freely roam, same with Itogon, Sablan, and Tublay.
The culture of walking inspires a sense of community and upgrades the quality of living. To encourage this culture, urban planners suggest evident solutions – a community park, pedestrianization of roads, making a sidewalk a ‘real sidewalk’, among others. Even without being specialists on these fields however, our culture and tradition suggest the importance of walking – hence, the common expression of "Entau magmagna." Or as they say, "A morning walk is a blessing for the whole day."
