THE most important roads in Philippine cities are called national roads; they are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). When national roads in cities are deliberately built or widened to enable more cars to go further and faster, the welfare and safety of all other road users (the 94 percent of Filipino households who do not own cars) diminishes, making our cities less livable and less environmentally sustainable. A different approach is needed for national roads in urban areas. They need to be placed in the service of all Filipinos instead of prioritized for the car-owning minority.
National roads were originally defined as roads connecting cities, including roads linking provincial capitals. Fifty years ago, most national roads passed through predominantly rural areas and small towns with relatively low population densities. They were designed to operate as "expressways," enabling fast, unimpeded travel by four-wheeled motor vehicles. National roads today wind through the centers of large and small cities all over the country. Instead of just connecting cities, many national roads today pass right in front of busy markets, schools, hospitals, government offices, places of worship and commercial districts. Think MacArthur Highway, EDSA, C5 and Commonwealth Avenue. Times have changed and national roads in urban areas need to change with the times.
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