People in Tagum City like to walk, study says
TAGUM CITY (MindaNews / 13 July) – Compared with two other cities in Davao Region, Tagum City exhibited a higher average walkability comfort despite barriers, a recent study by a Davao-based environment group said.
The study, released Friday Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), showed that Tagum residents are the most willing to walk, with an average walking comfort of 2.8 percent . Meanwhile, Davao scored 2.5 percent and Digos 2.3 percent.
“Pero ang nakanindot kay Tagum City is ang mga tao kugihan mulakaw (But what is great about Tagum City is that the people are eager to walk),” said IDIS environmental research officer Justin Pungyan during the presentation at the Tagum City Cultural and Historical Center.
Pungyan said all the three cities share walkability barriers but Tagum’s walking culture stands out.
Digos residents have a different perspective and Davao residents avoid walking due to numerous walkability barriers. These include obstructive objects, parked vehicles, sidewalk gaps, encroaching stalls, and unclear pedestrian signs.
However, despite leading in pedestrian enthusiasm, the majority of Tagum residents feel neutral about their walking experience. Their walking comfort levels are 5.3 percent unsatisfied, 23.7 percent unfairly satisfied, 52.6 percent neutral, 15.8 percent fairly satisfied, and 2.6 percent very satisfied.
IDIS also identified several factors influencing the city’s walkability, including the transportation cost.
Pungyan said behavioral studies showed that people would view wrong things as normal if they always encounter them.
IDIS highlighted the need to promote walkability in all cities to lessen vehicle dependence and encourage walking as a sustainable form of transportation.
The group is yet to submit the study’s findings to Tagum City’s local government unit along with its policy recommendations.
These include strict policy implementation and regulation, societal acceptance of walking, better pedestrian infrastructure and amenities, and a people-centric development.
The walkability study’s panel of reactors also cited the importance of a just transition and inclusivity for persons with disabilities and gender and development.
Arturo Sonny Mañigo, Head of Tagum City Planning and Development Office, said that they are gradually integrating some of these recommendations into their Connectivity, Accessibility, and Mobility strategy for the city.
The study assessed the walkability of Metro Davao, selecting Davao, Tagum, and Digos as its focus areas.
While Tagum’s results have been released, the release of the findings for Digos have been postponed indefinitely, and those for Davao are scheduled for release on July 25.
Pungyan said the study is only the first phase, with more extensive research planned to understand the nuances of Metro Davao’s walkability. (Kylene Faith Andales / UPMin BACMA Intern)
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