From morn till the set of sun? Then, please peruse this Petition and sign up, with the volunteer-campaigners stationed at the Rizal Blvd, Perdices Field, Robinsons Mall, and at FU Institute of Youth Sports for Peace (IYSPeace). The proponents of the Petition are officers and members of the FU Student Government, PE students, members of the Ladies Circle, and varsity athletes.
SUBMITTED TO THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE DUMAGUETE CITY COUNCIL, FOR THE ISSUANCE OF AN ORDINANCE ALLOWING THE USE BY PEDESTRIANS OF A 300-METER PORTION OF PERDICES AVENUE, BOUNDED IN THE NORTH BY SILLIMAN AVENUE AND DR. LOCSIN STREET IN THE SOUTH, DURING WEEKENDS AND SPECIAL HOLIDAYS, FROM THE HOURS OF 6:00AM TO 6:00PM, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING A CULTURE OF WALKING, AND THEREBY MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS POSED BY A STATUS OF NEGROS ORIENTAL AND DUMAGUETE CITY AS THE “MOTORCYCLE CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES”, THUS DEMOCRATIZING THE USE OF ROADS, PROMOTE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND ENVIRONMENT, RESTORE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY, AND TO CELEBRATE THE ESSENCE OF A “CITY OF GENTLE PEOPLE.”
WHEREAS, Negros Oriental is known as the “Motorcycle Capital of the Philippines”, a reputation which research studies show could pose potential risks to the health and wellness of the people as well as pollution of the air that people breathe;
WHEREAS, research shows that people who habitually ride motorcycles and other motor vehicles are susceptible to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart and pulmonary problems, and osteoporosis of the bones of the legs;
WHEREAS, the number of motorcycles in Negros Oriental and Dumaguete City continue to increase and emissions from these vehicles could be major causes of air pollution resulting in a corresponding increase of diseases due to a polluted environment;
WHEREAS, the mitigation of these health and environmental hazards could be created by providing opportunities for people, both motorcycle and other motor vehicle-riders and non-riders, to experience and indulge in the simple and traditional mode of locomotion–walking;
WHEREAS, this opportunity could be put in place and institutionalized through the issuance of an Ordinance by the City Council of Dumaguete, prompted by the submission of a Petition with more than 1000 signatories as provided for under Sections 120-127 of RA 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code; and
WHEREAS, a positive response on the part of the City Council on the Petition will manifest the strong political will and enlightened leadership by the current City government officials to “clean the air, promote a healthier lifestyle, democratize the use of roads, restore a sense of community, and celebrate the legacy bestowed upon Dumagueteños by our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal as ‘Gentle People.’”
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, members of the Foundation University Community and colleagues in University Town as well as residents of the City and other Stakeholders, do hereby petition the Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council to take the necessary steps that will cause the issuance of an Ordinance which will:
ALLOW PEDESTRIANS TO USE FREELY, WITHOUT INTERFERENCE AND THE RISKS POSED BY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, A 300-METER PORTION OF PERDICES AVENUE, BOUNDED BY SILLIMAN AVENUE ON THE NORTH AND DR. LOCSIN STREET ON THE SOUTH, DURING WEEKENDS AND SPECIAL HOLIDAYS, FROM 6:00AM TO 6:00PM, IN ORDER TO PROMOTE A WELLNESS LIFESTYLE, A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT, DEMOCRATIZE THE USE OF ROADS IN CONSONANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF THE ROAD REVOLUTION THAT: “THOSE WHO HAVE LESS IN WHEELS MUST HAVE MORE OF ROADS” AND MOST OF ALL, TO REAFIRM AND CELEBRATE THE BELOVED LEGACY GIVEN TO DUMAGUETE CITY BY OUR NATIONAL HERO, DR. JOSE P. RIZAL AS “THE CITY OF GENTLE PEOPLE.”
The intention of the Petition is not to deprive motorcyclists and owners of motor vehicles access to the streets. Rather, it is to make them aware of the need for them to exercise their legs as a preventive measure against osteoporosis and non-communicable or lifestyle diseases, a fact borne by scientific research–and in the process, secure their support and participation.
And this, from a Statement issued by Dr. Tony Oposa, after the successful launching of the “Road Revolution” in Cebu last June 12, where the entire 2.5 kilometer Osmena Ave was closed to vehicular traffic: “We look forward to hearing from all concerned, whether pro or anti. Particular mention is made of the transport sector. They are not part of the problem; rather they are an integral part of the solution. We wish to engage everyone in this movement. This is not only about cleaning the air and reducing our carbon emissions. It is also about restoring a sense of community among people, about creating a much-needed open space…about promoting a healthier lifestyle by walking and about showing the world how to get out of the present undemocratic and utterly wasteful transportation system…One of the critics suggested that those who do not want pollution must live in the moon. (I was so excited I immediately called up my travel agent.)”
The signature campaign is on-going and once we have 1000 signatories, we will submit the Petition to Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria, Vice Mayor Alan Gel Cordova, and members of the City Council. Please join and support the campaign.
