THE request of the mayor to extend the “pedestrianization” of Session Road was denied by most of the members of the local council citing that the objectives of the program were not satisfactorily met. In saying this they mean that the positive impact attained through the program was lesser than its negative implication.
Contentions are since Session Road is a road, it should best serve the motorists not primarily the pedestrians. Accordingly, it is not the most appropriate venue for creative displays. Also, it did not provide significant improvement on air quality. But does the program limited only on air quality and traffic management system concerns?
It was August last year when the local government of Baguio through ordinance no. 65, series of 2019 closed the uphill half of Session Road for “pedestrianization.” The program aimed to provide an effective traffic management system in the city by encouraging and promoting walking especially at the central business district and to revitalize the environment by improving quality of air at the central business district (CBD) and lower the amount of vehicular emission of air pollutants.
Every Sunday since the implementation of the program, various activities were held along this half of the road presenting the creative spirit of the city.
Different talents were showcased by the Baguio zumba groups, local bands, pocket events in exhibition of arts and culture and chalk art painting activity.
Through these varied activities, Session Road was always full of pedestrians. They were with their friends or family members enjoying family time. Parents would bring their children to watch them chalk paint. Others just wanted to spend the afternoon viewing different shows. Session Road was always full of life and so the people in it.
Session Road is the pinnacle of Baguio City’s identity. It is the most appropriate symbol of the city. If one wants to highlight something or introduce a program so that everybody would learn about it, it should be done in the Session Road. That is why we conduct multiple parades here and make it the venue of numerous celebrations.
A road, especially the celebrated Session Road cannot be limited to vehicular use but a place to hold programs and activities that mean a lot to the city and citizenry. We cannot limit the use of a thing (building, road, etc.) especially when it is considered as an institution. The logic applies when basketball courts and classrooms are utilized as evacuation centers. These places are not used exclusively for basketball games and class instructions because they can be utilized to serve a higher purpose.
The “pedestrianization” was introduced to achieve quality air and to promote walking but more than these two documented reasons for its implementation, we have witnessed the promotion of arts and the value of creativity in the city. It is astonishing just to witness children and adults walking along this road on Sundays. It explains the idea of unity in diversity. It brings a feeling of comfort and relief to see a throng of people walking together and this view represents the identity of Baguio City as a melting pot of diverse cultures. As one walks along, one would see different expressions of arts. For long, we wanted to present this city as a city of creativity and this program is one appropriate way of showing this artistic identity.
Is this road the proper place of presenting our creative spirit as Baguio citizens? This is the common question especially when the adjacent roads suffer traffic congestion. This chalk painting and other artistic shows can be done somewhere else like the nearby parks. Yes, but when done in these places, do these shows and work of arts draw the same attention like when it is conducted in the famous Session Road? No, it does not.
Walking along Session Road, even just for a day, Sunday, a family day, brings a sense of freedom. Despite the busy nature of the city, here on this road people are strolling with peace of mind. They are unmindful of each other. This site gives a balance to the hectic life in the city. People, from all walks of life, come here and it gives them a sense of normalcy. It is not so much of the significant progress of air quality it achieves but the mere easy-going flow of people walking along the road serves like an equalizer.
The businesses sprawling alongside the road reminds us of the capitalism in urban areas but the large group of people walking up and down capture the dominance of the ordinary people over these aspects of societies. Besides, the open road gives opportunity to all people to trod on it not only by the vehicles owned by the rich and the middle class citizens. The picture of friends or families enjoying an ice cream while sitting in one corner of the road reminds us of the joy we find ordinary things. Happiness is just around the corner.
There is a deeper impact of pedestrianization that goes beyond air quality and traffic system. Walking along the road on Sundays back when it was still allowed provides us a rich and soulful experience. It gives us a sense of peace, a sense of pride, a sense of identity and greater love for nature and humanity. Traffic? We can endure a day. Why not go for a carless Sunday, just for a day and give us a moment to go uphill, without needing to look up at the traffic lights and enjoy the climb.