MANDALUYONG, 21 October 2026 – Cyclists and advocates gathered at Mandaluyong City Hall this evening for a creative action and critical mass ride calling for cleaner air, safer streets, and more support for walking and cycling and other forms of active transport. They also demanded that senators fully fund the proposed active transport budget.

The event was organized by the advocacy organization 350 Pilipinas, with support from the 350 Pilipinas Bike Squad and the Mandaluyong City Traffic and Parking Management Department through its Active Transport Office.

350 Pilipinas called on senators to reverse the cut and approve the full PHP 1.13 billion that the Department of Transportation proposed for active transport in the 2027 national budget. The House of Representatives approved only PHP 33.9 million for active transport in the General Appropriations Bill, about three percent of the proposed amount. The Senate, which began its budget deliberations last week, can still change that.

“Tonight, we lit up the streets because active transport has been left in the dark. The DOTr asked for PHP 1.13 billion, and the House gave it PHP 33.9 million. The Senate must restore the full amount, because safe streets should not be a privilege reserved for people with cars,” said Jheny Dabu, sustainable transport campaigner at 350 Pilipinas.

Titled “Illuminate: Light The Way for Safe & Inclusive Active Transportation,” the event put the spotlight on women and LGBTQIA+ cyclists, commuters, and pedestrians. Wearing headlights, reflectors, and glow-in-the-dark gear, participants rode a seven-kilometer cycling loop around Mandaluyong to underscore the need for better cycling and walking infrastructure nationwide, especially for vulnerable road users.

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

350 Pilipinas is an organization campaigning for climate action, the energy transition, clean air, and sustainable transport in the Philippines.

Photos by Leo Sabangan II/350 Pilipinas: bit.ly/350PH-Illuminate

CONTACT

Denise Fontanilla: [email protected], +63 917 851 4890

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