Makati calls on residents not to use their cars on Sunday

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City government on Friday called on its residents and the public to leave their cars at home and observe a “car-free day” on Sunday as part of the month-long observance of Clean Air Month this November.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay said the campaign will kick-off at 6 a.m. at the Ayala Triangle Gardens with the theme “ “Clean Air? Pwede!!!”

“We invite fellow advocates of clean air and a healthy environment to join us this Sunday at the Ayala Triangle to show your support to our goal of reducing air pollution in Metro Manila, particularly in our main thoroughfares,” Binay said.

Binay said the campaign aims to raise public awareness on the health benefits of walking and using non-motorized transport like bicycles to promote them as better alternatives to using cars and other vehicles running on fossil fuels, which are major sources of air pollution in urban areas.

Makati Department of Environmental Services chief Danilo Villas said the event will start with a mass at 6 a.m., followed by “Ehersisyo at Dayalogo”, a regular Sunday fitness activity of the city that aims to promote a culture of wellness among its constituents and neighboring localities, and at the same time provide a venue for interaction between city government officials and members of the business community.

Villas also said officials from participating government agencies will do a ceremonial bike ride from Paseo de Roxas to Ayala Triangle for the main event.

At 8 a.m., representatives from the Office of the Vice President will join Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje, Presidential Adviser on Climate Change Ma. Elisea “Bebet” Gozun, Climate Change Commission Chairperson Mary Ann Lucille Sering, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Corazon Jimenez in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for two e-jeepneys to mark the launching of “Car-Free Day”.

Villas said the campaign also pushes for the provision of environment-friendly transport, walkable streets, and green infrastructure toward a cleaner and healthier environment.

Participants will be treated to a cheer dance and musical performance by students of San Antonio High School and the Makati Public Safety Band, while MMDA traffic enforcers will perform a martial arts exhibition.

The program will also include a presentation on the Car-Free Day campaign, and the declaration of support by government agencies, private groups, and civil society leaders.  Secretary Paje will give an inspirational remark to end the ceremony at Makati City.

At 10:30 a.m. participants will converge at Ayala Avenue for a “Clean Air Parade” going toward F. Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City where they will be treated to a Pre-Chrismas Bazaar, Exhibit, Traditional Sports, and Ecological Fashion Show by the Miriam College. A concert dubbed “Clean Air Jam” will also feature Lou Bonnevie and popular bands, including True Faith, Drum Circle, Mayonnaise and Absolute Play, among others.

The event has been organized in collaboration with the Partnership for Clean Air, a multi-sectoral body that includes Makati City, together with Ayala Land Inc., and Ayala Property Management Corporation.

Proclamation 1109 issued in 1997 designates the month of November as “Clean Air Month” through National Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Consciousness to create awareness among motorists on the importance and benefits of the proper maintenance of their motor vehicles. Republic Act 9512, the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008, also declares November as "Environmental Awareness Month."