By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz— The Provincial Health Office (PHO) is advocating for the creation of an active transport ordinance that will establish walk and bike lanes across the province of Capiz.
“The Capiz provincial government is aligning itself with the priority health programs of the Department of Health (DOH),” said Dr. Alex Nolasco, PHO head, during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Feb. 4, 2025.
According to Nolasco, the leading causes of death in 2023 were hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney diseases, which are linked to poor lifestyle choices and lack of physical activity.
He said the proposed walk and bike lanes would serve as designated spaces for walking and exercise, helping to reduce these health risks.
Nolasco recommended that individuals engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Nolasco acknowledged that implementing the project would require a significant budget.
He estimated that constructing a one-kilometer bike lane would cost around PHP 5 million.
Funding for the project would need to be sourced from the National Tax Allotment (NTA) and the Gender and Development (GAD) Program.
The proposed ordinance aims to promote active transportation, improve public health, and encourage sustainable urban mobility in Capiz.
