Car-Free Sundays: A Step Towards Healthier Urban Living in the Philippines

August 14, 2025
Car-Free Sundays: A Step Towards Healthier Urban Living in the Philippines

In a bid to combat rising obesity rates and promote healthier lifestyles, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has urged local government units (LGUs) to implement car-free Sundays across the Philippines. During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24, 2025, the President emphasized the need for open spaces that encourage physical activity and community engagement.

The concept of car-free Sundays has gained traction in various cities, notably Makati and Quezon City, where local programs have seen a significant increase in public participation. The Ayala Car-Free Program in Makati, launched in September 2023, has grown from an initial 10,000 participants to approximately 23,000, while Quezon City’s Car-Free Carefree Sundays program has attracted around 5,000 participants since its inception in December 2024.

Misha Quimpo, Project Development Manager at Ayala Land, noted that the initiative aims to promote community well-being. "Coming from the pandemic, we had noticed that people had gotten used to staying home. Isolation and depression were very real issues," she stated in an email. The program’s success has led to its extension and inspired other cities to adopt similar initiatives.

Quezon City’s ordinance SP-3345 S-2024 aims to enhance health by promoting walkability and developing bike lanes. Residents like Merly Cruz, who have participated since the program's start, have expressed their appreciation, stating, "It helps me to keep fit."

However, the initiative faces challenges. Some participants, like Cara Santos, highlighted the contradiction of friends driving to join the car-free activities, undermining the goal of reducing carbon emissions. The World Health Organization attributes approximately seven million premature deaths globally to air pollution, which directly correlates with vehicular emissions. In the Philippines alone, fine particle pollution (PM2.5) accounted for 40,000 deaths in 2021, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Vincent Vinarao, Assistant Department Head of Quezon City’s Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department, noted that transportation contributes approximately 22% of the city’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The temporary absence of vehicles during car-free Sundays aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

Dr. Fatimah Ahmed, Chief Scientist at Malaysia’s Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, pointed out that studies have shown short-term decreases in pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter during car-free days. In contrast, Gerry Bagtasa from the University of the Philippines Diliman cautioned that rerouting traffic can still lead to pollution in nearby streets.

"Carless does not mean there are no cars present; they are just being rerouted. Rerouting to parallel roads means there will still be reduced concentrations of air pollution, but not zero," Bagtasa explained.

While these car-free initiatives are steps toward promoting public health, experts emphasize that they are not panaceas for air quality issues. Urban planner Kathy Nothstine stated that a multifaceted approach involving infrastructure investment and support for low-carbon transportation is essential. Dr. Ahmed echoed this sentiment, asserting that the focus should be on reducing emissions through improved public transport and stricter vehicle emission standards.

The Valenzuela LGU has taken a different approach by permanently closing Fatima Avenue to motor vehicles, transforming it into a pedestrian-friendly space. King Urieta, head of the Cultural and Tourism Development Office, noted that the street has become a vibrant space for community activities, attracting more foot traffic and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

As the car-free Sunday programs continue to evolve, local governments are exploring ways to replicate their success. Quezon City aims to establish a car-free venue in each district, enhancing public service and community engagement. Margarita Mejia, head of the QC Business Permits and Licensing Department, remarked, "Every Sunday, we see firsthand the conditions of our streets and local businesses."

In conclusion, while the push for car-free Sundays presents a promising avenue for improving public health and air quality, it is imperative that LGUs commit to comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of pollution and promote sustainable urban living. The President's call for more LGUs to adopt these measures underscores the importance of community health and environmental stewardship in urban planning.

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Car-Free SundaysFerdinand Marcos Jr.PhilippinesPublic HealthObesityQuezon CityMakatiAyala LandCommunity EngagementAir PollutionWorld Health OrganizationGreenhouse Gas EmissionsSustainable Urban LivingEnvironmental HealthCar-free InitiativesUrban PlanningClimate ChangeLocal Government UnitsHealthy LifestylesPublic SpacesAir QualityFatima AvenueValenzuela CityTransportation PolicyBikingWalkingCommunity WellbeingHealth OrdinanceEnvironmental SustainabilityPublic TransportPollution Reduction

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