Car-free Sundays on Roxas Boulevard starts May 26

MANILA, Philippines — A portion of Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard will officially become off-limits to motorists every Sunday morning starting May 26.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna yesterday signed Ordinance No. 9047 to allow families to do physical activities and promote health lifestyles along the city’s busiest road.

Lacuna was joined by Vice Mayor Yul Servo, Secretary to the Mayor Marlon Lacson and District 6 Councilor Salvador Philip Lacuna, who authored the ordinance, during the signing.

Under the measure, both directions of Roxas Boulevard from Padre Burgos Avenue, near Rizal Park, to Quirino Avenue will become exclusive for walking, jogging, running and cycling from 5 to 9 a.m. every Sunday.

Lacuna said people would “experience a different perspective of Roxas Boulevard,” which she described as a “significant part of the country’s history, culture and politics.”

“They will have more time to appreciate its beauty and significance while walking, jogging, running and biking,” she said.

Lacuna said the initiative seeks to motivate people to exercise, promote the beauty of Manila Bay and support the continuing order of the Supreme Court for a healthy Manila Bay.

She ordered concerned city hall offices to make sure that the road, sidewalk, bay walk and connecting roads are cleared of hazards and garbage.

According to the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau, the car-free Sundays will be implemented until June 30.