Baguio: The city government is finalizing plans for a PHP250 million sidewalk development and improvement project aimed at making Baguio more walkable and providing residents with safer pedestrian access throughout the city.

According to Philippines News Agency, the sidewalk development and improvement project will be implemented in eight road sections around the city with a length of around 29,120 meters. This initiative will be carried out by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in partnership with the city. City Engineer Richard Lardizabal stated that the project will be executed along Asin Road and San Luis Village area; Barangay Brookside; Barangay Manuel Roxas; Barangay Middle Quezon Hill and Quezon Hill Proper; Lower Lourdes Subdivision, Barangay Middle Rock Quarry, Upper Rock Quarry and Lower Rock Quarry; Barangay General Emilio F. Aguinaldo, Upper Quirino-Magsaysay and Ferdinand; Barangay Aurora Hill and Bayan Park; and Barangay Pinget.

The sidewalks will have a standard width of 1.5 meters and will be equipped with curbs and gutters to ensure proper drainage and provide pedestrians with safe and convenient walking spaces.

In a separate media interview, Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized that the project forms part of the city's 'Walkable Baguio' initiative, which seeks to encourage more residents and visitors to walk. Mayor Magalong stated that if the sidewalks are safe to walk on, people will be encouraged to walk, and the sidewalk project is one of the programs aimed to promote walking.

Magalong further mentioned that DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon has assured the city government of funding support amounting to PHP250 million for the project. The mayor noted that many cases of mortality and morbidity in the city are linked to lifestyle-related diseases, adding that walking is a simple and cost-effective way to improve public health.

To promote walking, the city government has installed 'walk meters' in various tourist destinations to encourage residents and visitors to explore the city on foot. This initiative complements the City Health Services Office's 'Sensory Walking' program, which encourages employees to walk to and from work. Additionally, Magalong highlighted that the city's ongoing efforts to improve air quality, including roadside vehicle emission testing and the implementation of the smoke-free Baguio program, support the broader goal of creating a healthier environment and population.