Did you know that there’s a plan to create an active transport system in the country? This includes the construction of more bicycle lanes, end-of-trip facilities, pedestrian paths, and other structures that are not only accessible and affordable to everyone, but also safe and sustainable.
Last January 7, 2025, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) published a notice announcing the creation of the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP). This is part of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, which prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists among all other road users.

What is “Active Transport”?
In preparation for the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan or ATSMP, the DOTr has appointed Palafox Associates as a consultant firm. They shall conduct surveys, interviews, focused group discussions (FGDs), and consultations in designing an active transport plan. But what exactly does “active transport” mean?
In its official website, Palafox Associates defines active transport as “a term used to describe the movement of people or goods that is powered by human activity, rather than a motor.” In other words, it is referring to walking and cycling as modes of transportation.
Status of Active Transport in the Philippines
According to Palafox Associates, active transport in the Philippines is hindered by inadequate infrastructure, unsafe conditions, car-centric design, and climate vulnerability.
Indeed, there is a general lack of infrastructure such as bicycle lanes, bicycle parking areas, and pedestrian crossing around the country. And where there are sidewalks, some are uneven and poorly maintained, with not enough lighting. What’s more, there are many sidewalks crowded with informal vendors and their wares, not to mention illegally parked vehicles.
In cities around the country, most of the roads are “car-centric” or designed for four-wheeled vehicles, without any dedicated areas for cyclists, or even pedestrians and runners/joggers.
Finally, there’s a general lack of shade and protection from the weather, which could get extremely hot during the summer months; then wet and (sometimes) flooded during the rainy season.
Seeking to overcome these challenges, the Philippine government aims to establish a transport system that is “people-centric.” This involves making active transport a priority, and creating a system that is accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone.

Palafox Engaged to Complete Active Transport Plan
Established in 1989, Palafox Associates is a multi-disciplinary firm founded by renowned architect and urban planner, Felino “Jun” A. Palafox, Jr. The firm is composed of more than 100 architects, urban planners, engineers, interior designers, environmental planners, consultants, and other professionals.
Notably, Architect Palafox has long advocated for active transport in the Philippines, stating that “those with less in wheels should have more in roads.” He believes that the order of prioritization for transportation should be: (1st) pedestrians; (2nd) cyclists; (3rd) public transport; and (4th) private transport. He also mentioned that the “road transport corridor” should be equally divided into three parts: one-third for people (pedestrians and cyclists), one-third for trees and landscaping, and one-third for moving traffic.
Due to his expertise, Architect Palafox was hired by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as a consultant for the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, which is managed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Eventually, his firm, Palafox Associates, was engaged by the DOTr to complete the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP), which seeks to promote walking, cycling, and other active transport solutions.
The Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP)
Palafox Associates notes that even though the Philippines has a dynamic workforce in multiple industries, there is a lack of support when it comes to public transportation. We often hear about workers’ grueling two to three-hour commute because of heavy traffic, plus the long and winding queues of commuters at jeepney terminals, bus stations, and railway transit stations.
To address this need, the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP) is being designed, to create a comfortable and sustainable system for active transport as a great alternative for everyone.

Objectives of Active Transport Strategic Master Plan
In its official websites, Palafox Associates presented the objectives of the Active Transport Strategic Master Plan, as follows:
- Develop an integrated active transport network;
- Mainstream active transport;
- Promote sustainable urban mobility;
- Create people-centric and inclusive spaces;
- Enhance “walkability” and “bikeability;”
- Boost economic opportunities; and
- Support local government units (LGUs) and agencies in implementing active transport infrastructure projects.
Pilot Areas of the Study
The pilot areas of the ATSMP include the National Capital Region (NCR), Puerto Princesa, Iloilo City, Surigao City, Zamboanga City, and Mati City (Davao Oriental). Other municipalities that are adjacent to these urban areas may also be included to ensure the coherence of “geographic clusters” when it comes to mobility.
After the pilot implementation, other LGUs across the country will be urged to carry out the study’s developed frameworks, methodologies, and guidebooks.

A Call for Leaders in All Sectors
To ensure the successful planning and implementation of ATSMP, Palafox Associates is calling for leaders. Leaders from both the private and public sectors are urged to help ensure the long-term implementation of active transport systems, since we are all part of a community that seeks a comfortable and sustainable environment.

Contact Information: Palafox Associates – Manila Office
If you want to know more about the ATSMP and its current studies, you can get in touch with Palafox Associates through the following contact details. The firm also has offices in Cebu and Davao.
Address: 5/F PCCI Corporate Center, 118 L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila
Telephone: (632) 8812 1254 to 55 / +63 917 885 8706
Email: communications@palafoxassociates.com
Website: https://www.palafoxassociates.com/
Google Map:
In addition, if you want to know how you can participate in studies about ATSMP, you can also contact DOTr by sending an email to oappd@dotr.gov.ph.
Final Thoughts
The Philippines, with its ever growing population and crowded urban areas, needs to focus more on creating active transport facilities like bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths. The Active Transport Strategic Master Plan (ATSMP) is definitely a huge step towards the creation of such facilities. We hope that the DOTr, in coordination with Palafox Associates and other stakeholders, would be able to successfully design and carry out this amazing transport plan.
Speaking of which, road safety is another essential aspect of transportation. All motorists, commuters, and even pedestrians should know the country’s traffic laws and violations. To refresh your memory, visit this link for the list of traffic violations and fines imposed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).