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The Department of Transportation started formulating the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan
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ATSMP will serve as the core framework for the development of high-quality active transportation systems in the Philippines
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DOTr encouraged the public to participate in field surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and consultations that will be conducted during 2025
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Palafox Associates has been appointed as the consultant for the formulation of the ATSMP
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has started formulating the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP) that will serve as the core framework for the development of high-quality active transportation systems in the Philippines.
In a public notice, DOTr encouraged the public to participate in field surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and consultations that the department, through multidisciplinary firm Palafox Associates, will conduct during 2025.
“Through this participatory process, we intend to create a comfortable, accessible, safe, sustainable, and affordable active transport system by not only building more pedestrian paths, bike lanes, end-of-trip facilities, but also by crafting better standards and policies,” DOTr said.
Palafox Associates last November won the contract as consultant for the formulation of the ATSMP, which is envisioned to serve as a guide in the rational development, planning, investment programming, evaluation, and implementation of active transport networks around the country for national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders.
In a statement, Palafox Associates said the country’s current state of active transport—a term used to describe the movement of people or goods that is powered by human activity rather than a motor—is riddled with challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, unsafe conditions, car-centric design, and climate vulnerability.
“Despite these challenges, the vision for Philippines 2050 calls for a transportation system that is accessible, safe, sustainable, and people-centric. This means prioritizing active transport as a viable and desirable mode of commuting,” Palafox said.
The ATSMP will cover the pilot areas of the National Capital Region (NCR), Puerto Princesa, Iloilo City, Zamboanga City, Surigao City, and City of Mati (Davao Oriental). The study area may also encompass other municipalities’ areas adjacent to the identified urban areas to define coherent geographic clusters in terms of mobility.
Palafox Associates said the study area coverage will demonstrate the replicability of the study outputs across the entire country. LGUs outside the study area should be able to apply the developed frameworks, methodologies, guidebooks, designs, and other outputs, regardless of variations in local contexts.
Key objectives of the ATSMP include, among others, the development of an integrated active transport network, and establishing walking, cycling, and other active transport modes as mainstream travel options.
It also aims to promote sustainable urban mobility by driving a modal shift from private vehicles to active transport and public mass transit systems, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, close last-mile connectivity gaps between residential areas and key destinations, and encourage healthier lifestyles for all.
Moreover, it aims to create people-centric and inclusive spaces, and improve walking and cycling infrastructure to support sustainable urban planning, enhance property values, and drive positive impacts on spatial planning across diverse development contexts.
The masterplan also aims to unlock economic growth potential, especially in municipalities with lower-income demographics, by expanding tourism, commercial activities, and supplementary revenue opportunities tied to active transport systems.
Lastly, it will support LGUs and agencies in evaluating active transport infrastructure projects to ensure seamless execution.
The formulation of the master plan is pursuant to the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which calls for implementation of several strategies, including the development of active transport infrastructure, such as segregated lanes, bike-only roads, shade trees, showers, widened sidewalks, and at-grade pedestrian crossings.
Aside from the ATSMP, DOTr is also seeking a consultant for the formulation of the 30-year Philippine Transportation System Master Plan, which will serve as the framework for the development of the country’s passenger and cargo transportation system. Opening of bids was on January 10.
READ: DOTr seeks consultant to craft transport system master plan
