Senator Mark Villar stands in solidarity with the celebration of Road Safety Month, advocates for more cycling and pedestrian lanes

Senator Mark Villar expressed his solidarity with the celebration of the Road Safety Month. The Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A declares the month of May as Road Safety Month to promote road safety and raise awareness of the health impact and economic costs involved.

"Nakikiisa po ako sa pagdiriwang ng "Road Safety Month" ngayong buwan. Tayo po ay kaisa ng layunin na isulong ang kaligtasan ng mga siklista, motorista, at commuters na gumagamit ng mga daan. We are also advocating for increased awareness of the general public on the impact of road safety to our health and economy," Senator Mark said.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), road traffic deaths were recorded to be at an all-time high of 11,096 in 2021 and is the leading cause of death among Filipinos aged 15-29 years old. Studies accord these road traffic deaths to be one of the major public health concerns yet remains to be overlooked.

"Bilang dating kalihim ng Department of Public Works and Highways, prayoridad po natin ang masiguradong ligtas ang publiko sa paggamit ng kalsada. Ang mahigit 11,000 na namatay noong 2021 ay katumbas ng 30 tao kada araw at higit isa kada oras na namamatay dahil sa aksidente sa daan. Sa bawat isa pong namamatay sa mga aksidente na ito ay may pamilyang nadadamay," Senator Mark highlighted.

Part of the overarching problem of road safety is the lack of sustainable infrastructure that is inclusive of pedestrians, cyclists, and similar vehicles. Senator Mark advocates for green infrastructures that could withstand time and facilitate the holistic sustainable development of the economy and the country.

"Tayo rin po ay patuloy na nakikiisa sa pagbibigay ng importansya sa mga siklista at pedestrian. We are strongly for the construction of infrastructure that could benefit our cyclists and pedestrians. Mahalaga po para sa atin ang makapagbigay ng alternative at sustainable means of transport para sa ating mga kababayan," Senator Mark said.

"Bawat buhay ay mahalaga, kaya ngayong Road Safety Month, sama-sama nating pag-itingin ang ating kampanya sa mas ligtas na kalsada para sa lahat," Senator Mark further added.