Butuan City Embraces Car-Free Sunday Policy
Butuan City has taken a bold step toward environmental sustainability by approving a car-free Sunday policy. The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) enacted Ordinance No. 17-019-2025 during its recent session, officially institutionalizing the car-free Sunday initiative.
This measure designates specific sections of major roads to be closed to vehicles every Sunday. The goal is to promote sustainable mobility and green urbanism by encouraging residents to reclaim public streets for active recreation such as walking, cycling, and running.
Reclaiming Streets for Community and Environment
Local leaders explained that the car-free Sunday policy aims to transform urban streets into safe, inclusive, and vibrant public spaces. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11, which promotes making cities resilient, safe, and sustainable.
“Reclaiming streets as public spaces supports Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable,” the ordinance states, officials reported.
Supporting Local Businesses Through Increased Foot Traffic
Authored by City Councilor Clint Dabalos, the ordinance also underscores the importance of aiding micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). By closing certain lanes to vehicles, the city hopes to boost pedestrian traffic and community patronage, thereby supporting local businesses.
Details of the Car-Free Sunday Road Closures
The ordinance specifies that the eastbound lane of J.C. Aquino Avenue from Robinsons Place to SM City will be closed every Sunday from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. Meanwhile, another section from Robinsons Place to Bancasi Rotunda will be closed from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Additionally, the full lane along J. Rosales Avenue at the City Hall Rotunda will be off-limits to vehicles, including Public Utility Jeepneys. Routes 4 and 7 will observe closures from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m., while route 8 will be closed from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Exemptions and Enforcement
Emergency and essential service vehicles such as fire trucks, ambulances, police vehicles, and delivery trucks servicing establishments within the closed zones are exempted from the restrictions.
The City Transportation and Traffic Management Department will take the lead in implementing and managing the car-free Sunday policy, community members said.
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