City gov’t, groups awarded for Green Loop experiment

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government and other officials received a plaque of recognition from the Office of the President yesterday for illustrating the concept of a road sharing scheme through the Green Loop experiment last September 28.

Mayor Michael Rama received the award on behalf of the residents of Cebu City who supported the road sharing activity by giving more space to pedestrians.

Rama also received an award for backing up the said activity.

Other officials and groups who received awards for supporting the Green Loop experiment were Cebu City Traffic Operations Management Executive Director Rafael Yap, Rama’s Chief of Staff and Metropolitan Cebu Water District Chairman Rene Mercado, Movement for Livable Cebu, Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board, Movers of the Road Revolution, Green Loop front liners, among others.

City Councilor Ma. Nida Cabrera was also awarded for being the author of the newly approved bike lane ordinance in the City.

Rama said that the awards were handed by the Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta and Philippine Climate Change Commissioner Naderev Saño.

“I am extending my greetings and congratulations to us, to all Cebuanos who were the recipients,” Rama said.

In September, four major thoroughfares in Cebu City were shared with pedestrians, bikers, skaters, and motor vehicles for four hours.

From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., half of major roads of General Maxilom Avenue, Gorodo Avenue, Escario Street, and Osmeña Boulevard were closed from vehicles to pave way for the bikers, pedestrians, and the like.

With the award received by the city government, Rama said that there will be further Green Loop experiments in the city despite complaints on the road sharing activity.

Rama said that it has been his thrust to give more space to the people and not to the vehicles, adding that complaints will be properly addressed by CITOM and other officials.

Yap, for his part, said that the experiment was a collective effort of “like minded Cebuanos”.

“We have always supported such initiatives as long as they are well prepared,” said Yap when asked if there will be further experiments. (FREEMAN)