Manila walker

I had the feeling that when they planned the whole of Manila, the city planners were not putting into consideration the many pedestrians and commuters who were to inhabit the city later on. Just look at our LRT/MRT stations. Any person using those should have a physical age of less than thirty-five to effortlessly manage those steep steps. The elevators usually render useless to the rest of the aging and disabled population; you're lucky if the escalators are working. The overpass obviously was to clear the main intersections and streets of pedestrians, and was to give pedestrians additional spiritual workout since the newer foot bridges had been constructed so high that people could almost reach heaven! I am exaggerating, of course, but I bet you'd hear the same from others.

In addition, the urban planners had entrepreneurs, instead of pedestrians, in their minds. The sidewalk was created for the enterprising Filipinos! If there are clear sidewalks, they are meant for those who are patient to walk all the way to the proper loading area. The impatient ones defy laws and concrete blocks!

With the state we are in, I don't think we will ever make it to any walkers or pedestrians' list for most walker-friendly places. Recently, the American Podiatric Medical Association released its list for American walkers. Some of the reasons that made the group include a city in the list are:

1. There are existing laws and groups promoting the welfare of pedestrians.
2. Improvements in the city’s infrastructures encourage pedestrians.
3. There aren’t many vehicles.
4. Presence of schools keeps cars from overspeeding.
5. Roads and establishments are accessible to walkers and tourists.
6. Extensive public transport system helps commuters around the city.
7. Road system connects all places of interest.
8. There are avenues for strolling and hiking.
9. There is low crime and pedestrian fatalities.
10. Pro-pedestrian schemes are existing in populous areas.
You may check the the complete article through this link here.

I went on to check the internet to find a similar post. The closest I got was a forum discussing the most walkable cities in the Philippines.  Makati, Marikina and  Ortigas seem to be the forum's metro choices.  I don't know about Marikina, but Makati and Ortigas are two wealthy areas; it's expected that they should have better infrastructures and greenery. Another interesting point in the forum is : Ayaw maglakad ang mga Pilipino dahil sa init! I'll have to agree although it's ironic because everybody even car owners is a pedestrian. I think, the moment when we, Filipinos, start to enjoy walking and see it as either a form of exercise or an environmental advocacy, that is the time when we start demanding to have ample and acceptable walking spaces.

For now, there is not much to do but be content with the comforts and discomforts Manila streets cause to a pedestrian like me. With the experiences I have in the streets of Manila, I can say that I'd be more ready and able to tread any big city street in no time.