Change mindsets for a better transport system

I have been an avid reader of this publication since I started taking an interest in public affairs. Yesterday, I stumbled again upon the regular Motoring section of the Inquirer. I do appreciate the regular updates on the motor vehicle industry in the section, but the article by Mr. Mikko David entitled, “Roads to Perdition,” (7/6/22) got me thinking: Would it be possible to rededicate this section currently on “Motoring” to “Mobility” in general?

Mr. David wrote about how constructing and widening more roads for the sake of private vehicles is a band-aid solution. Without good public transport alternatives and walkable and bikable cities, Filipinos will indeed have to buy private vehicles in order to move around. As he wrote, “If more roads are built, more motorists will be encouraged to use their cars and once again fill up the new road spaces.”

I would, however, like to add to his call to action for the government to exercise foresight and long-term planning. Civil society, including nongovernment organizations and the media, can also help create a favorable policy environment for the good actors in government to pass and implement good policies. These policies include, for example, creating an integrated network of protected bike lanes and walkable sidewalks, so people have other ways of going to work. After all, 85 percent of Filipinos want their localities to become great places for walking and cycling (Social Weather Stations, November 2020).

From outside of government, we can help shift mindsets so that the public will view a transport system as one that prioritizes moving people and goods over private motor vehicles and clamor for it.

Various civil society groups have been active in this advocacy. I hope that the Inquirer will consider giving more space in its publication for them to help change mindsets.

Lyonel T. Tanganco,[email protected]