Metro Manila is a city that operates on a time frame of about an hour. No matter if you’re commuting to school or returning from work, it typically takes around an hour to reach your destination. Anything more than that is considered normal, while anything less is a delightful surprise.
As I grew up, I heard stories of impromptu trips to Manila Bay’s breakwater. However, those days of spontaneous getaways are long gone. Now, traveling through the capital requires careful planning. In a previous article, I discussed how Metro Manila’s traffic not only wastes time but also steals precious moments from our lives. One solution I proposed was the development of walker and biker-friendly pathways. Now, let’s dive deeper into this concept.
Unfortunately, Manila is not known for its pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. If you do a quick Google search, you’ll see that we seem to only conceptualize pedestrianization in terms of isolated areas rather than making it a city-wide norm. This paints a clear picture where sidewalks are treated as exceptions, not the rule, and roads are primarily dominated by motor vehicles. We need to find a solution to this problem.
Enter the idea of the 15-minute city. This concept has been gaining popularity as a way to address congestion and promote sustainable urban living. The 15-minute city envisions a place where everything a person needs on a daily basis, such as work, schools, shops, parks, and cultural activities, is within a 15-minute walk or ride from their home. This model has already been successfully implemented in various locations around the world, including the Netherlands. For example, in residential areas there, you can easily reach the nearest grocery store by a 15-minute bike ride. Longer trips, such as going to the university, may require a 15-minute bus ride. This demonstrates how daily activities can be seamlessly integrated within a short distance from one’s residence, whether it’s by foot, bike, or bus.
Of course, pedestrianizing Manila won’t happen overnight. However, if we were to take the first step, I suggest starting with Intramuros. This historic walled city, which was once the seat of power during Spanish colonial rule, is now a living heritage site nestled within the bustling city. While its historical significance attracts both tourists and locals, its current condition leaves much to be desired. The cobblestone streets, remnants of the past, are now shared with motor vehicles, detracting from the immersive experience of stepping back in time. The congestion and pollution tarnish the charm of this cultural treasure. Pedestrianizing Intramuros would not only honor its historical legacy but also have a positive impact on the environment. By reducing vehicular traffic within the walls, we can decrease air pollution and promote a greener future. This would entice tourists from near and far to experience the charm of a car-free Intramuros, benefiting local businesses and artisans while fostering cultural appreciation and preservation.
Pedestrianizing Intramuros is just the beginning of a larger transformation for the city. To create a more accessible and livable metropolitan area, we must also decentralize Manila. This means implementing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and embracing the 15-minute city model from the early stages of urban development. It won’t be a quick process, but by starting with Intramuros, we can ignite a movement toward a pedestrian-friendly and people-centric city. As we strive for a greener and more inclusive future, let us prioritize the task of pedestrianizing Manila, one step at a time.
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