By Nimfa L. Estrellado Mayor Mark Alcala and the community fill the streets for Lucena City's new "Car-free, Carefree Sunday,"...
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| Mayor Mark Alcala and the community fill the streets for Lucena City's new "Car-free, Carefree Sunday," a program committed to building a stronger, healthier community. (Lucena City PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Hundreds of residents flocked to the streets of Lucena City recently for the launch of its "Car-free, Carefree Sunday" initiative, an innovative program turning the city's main thoroughfare into a haven for pedestrians and cyclists. The closure was part of a broader city-wide effort to promote sustainable mobility and green urbanism.
For the first time, a large portion of Quezon Avenue was completely closed to vehicles, allowing residents to walk, jog, and bike without the usual noise and traffic. The event, held from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., provided a much-needed breath of fresh air for families, students, and community groups who filled the streets for a variety of activities.
The program was spearheaded by Mayor Mark Alcala and Vice Mayor Roderick "Dondon" Alcala, who joined the community for the inaugural event. "This program is more than just closing a road; it's about reclaiming urban spaces for our people," Mayor Alcala stated. "We want to give our citizens a space to connect, exercise, and enjoy our city in a different way."
He added that this initiative was designed to inspire a greater sense of community pride and well-being and show that residents are ready to embrace a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. The transformation of a busy thoroughfare into a vibrant public space not only promotes physical activity but also fosters social interaction, which is essential for a strong community.
"This is just the start of something big for our city. We are committed to making our roads people-centered rather than car-centered," Mayor Alcala said. "The 'Car-free, Carefree Sunday' is a great opportunity for everyone to come together and build a stronger, healthier community, one Sunday at a time."
The move places Lucena City among a growing number of towns and cities in the Philippines that are embracing "car-free" days to promote sustainable living and public health. From the bustling streets of Metro Manila—including Roxas Boulevard in Manila, Ayala Avenue in Makati, and portions of Bonifacio Global City—to other major urban centers like Butuan City, local governments are increasingly reclaiming roads for pedestrians and cyclists.
The journey for the initiative began with a public hearing on July 31, where Legislative Proposal No. 20-07-028 was discussed. The hearing, chaired by Councilor Americo Lacerna, brought together representatives from various government agencies and private sectors to share their insights on the proposal to temporarily close a portion of Quezon Avenue.
Following the successful launch, the second "Car-free, Carefree Sunday" on September 7 featured a new lineup of community activities. Participants enjoyed a high-energy schedule that included Zumba, Tabata classes, a Taekwondo demonstration, and a lively Skateboard Exhibition. A special highlight was the Hawaiian Pet Paw-shion Show, which offered prizes, free vaccinations, and deworming for pets, along with a heartwarming opportunity to adopt impounded animals.
The initiative continued its momentum with the third "Car-free, Carefree Sunday" on September 21, 2025. This event was a vibrant testament to the city's creativity and communal spirit. Alongside mass Zumba and jumping rope, the day featured a spirited Latte Art Competition and a fast-growing Pickleball tournament. Perhaps the most striking activity was the Chalk Art Street Painting, which transformed the pavement into a vibrant canvas for local artists, with each stroke telling a story of culture and imagination.
As the program becomes a regular fixture every first and third Sunday of the month, the "Car-free, Carefree Sunday" stands as a statement of the community's commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for everyone. It promises a future where Lucena's roads are people-centered, not car-centered.
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