AN OFFICIAL of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) questioned the painting of a pedestrian crossing in Agdao with Pride Colors as it needs to be approved by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The crossing in Barangay Lapu-lapu, Agdao District, Davao City was painted with Pride colors on Sunday, July 21, after Barangay Lapu-Lapu passed a "Resolution Establishing LGBT Pride Pedestrian Lane" in some streets of Barangay Lapu-lapu, Agdao District, Davao City through SK Barangay Resolution No. 04, s. 2019.
CTTMO technical staff George Jumamoy said that although the group had the approval coming from the City Mayor's Office, he said there was a miscommunication as it did not went through the approval of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Jumamoy called the colored pedestrian as "creative pedestrian lane," which needs approval from DPWH since it is a "national road."
He said the area should have a signage indicating a "creative pedestrian lane" ahead.
"There should be signs near the area, which would indicate that there is a nearby colored pedestrian sign nearby to orient the drivers," Jumamoy told SunStar Davao in a phone call interview.
During CTTMO's inspection, they noticed the pedestrian's paint slowly faded days after it was painted.
Jumamoy said that although the paint used was "latex," he said it does not pose any road hazard. But he said it still does not pass the international standards.
He said the country has no policy on "creative pedestrian lane" as of now.
The "colorful" pedestrian crossing aims to seek their call to end stigma and stop discrimination of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) community.
It had gained social media attention, which received mixed comments.
Meanwhile, Councilor Javi Campos is proposing for a "Pride Lane" along the streets of Davao.
Campos, in his privilege speech on Tuesday at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, said he appreciated Barangay Lapu-lapu's resolution, which aims to support the LGBTQ+ and their call for the passage of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality bill, which is still pending in Congress.
"As a pioneering project, I propose to color the pedestrian lanes along streets in Agdao specifically around Agdao flyover covering a portion of streets of R. Castillo, Dacudao, Cabaguio, and Leon Garcia," the councilor said.
However, he said we will have to consult his plans to the CTTMO and other concerned agencies.