Car-Free Sunday transforms Butuan roads into healthy spaces
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — What was once a busy road has now become a space for relaxation, games, fitness activities, and community gatherings, at least on Sundays.
With the implementation of the Car-Free Sunday, dubbed ‘Ato Ra Kung Domingo’ or Only Ours on Sundays, Butuan City is reshaping urban life by giving streets back to people instead of vehicles.
Car-Free Sunday is an initiative of Mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun that aims to provide safe, clean, and orderly roads where the public can walk, jog, run, bike, exercise, and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
Backed by Sangguniang Panlungsod Ordinance No. 17-019-2025, authored by Councilor Clint Dabalos, the program was initially rolled out on August 24, and fully implemented on November 16, in time with the World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims. The ordinance supports Sustainable Development Goal 11, which promotes inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
“Aside from encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle for all our people, our purpose is also to ensure that this initiative serves as a precursor to our long-term plan of making the roads of Butuan as accessible as possible to the public,” said Mayor Fortun. “These car-free roads have quickly become Sunday favorites, creating space for outdoor activities, movement, and community interaction.”
According to running enthusiast Chogen Alderite, he used to cautiously run along the roads on weekends due to passing vehicles. Now, with the introduction of designated car-free routes, he can finally run safe and with peace of mind.
“Before, it was very challenging to do my regular long runs or long slow distance runs during weekends because of the moving vehicles on the road. I was mindful and cautious of not being hit and avoiding vehicular accidents,” he said.
“When Car-free Sunday was launched, I had peace of mind because I found a safer place to sustain my weekend runs.
He added that beyond improving the physical well-being of runners, bikers, among others, the initiative benefitted the environment by reducing carbon emissions and lowering pollution levels.
Also, the Car-free Sunday opens opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as they are encouraged to set up their creative and enticing businesses along the route, allowing locals to shop and support our economic frontliners.
This program placed Butuan City in a national limelight after being recognized and awarded as Sole Mindanao Awardee under the Car-Free Initiative category during the National Bike Day Awards 2025 in Quezon City.
City Transportation and Traffic Management Department (CTTMD) Head Maria Kristina E. Cassion affirmed the city’s commitment to improving active transportation systems.
“We are committing to build a connected system of protected bike lanes and walkable corridors. We are pursuing this for economic resilience, to put money back in the pockets of our workers; for public health, to fight lifestyle diseases; and for spatial justice, ensuring that those without cars are afforded the same dignity and safety as those with private vehicles,” Cassion said.
More than a weekly road closure, Car-Free Sunday reflects a vision of a city built for people, where children can run safely, elders can walk comfortably, families can enjoy public spaces, and streets become spaces for connection, wellness, and community. (MFC, PIA Caraga with a report from CTTMD Butuan)
