2023 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

“I-Bike,” a program promoting the development of the Iloilo City Bike Culture is the most-awarded bike initiative in the Philippines. Its most recent accolade was the Galing Pook Award in 2022, for which it gained formal commendation from the Philippine Senate. The program arose from the vision of the local government unit, private sector, and civil society to advocate for and promote sustainability and resiliency.   

Iloilo City is a first class, highly urbanized metropolis and has faced a variety of urban challenges due to continued development and modernization. As the number of vehicles on the road increases, biking provides an alternative and economical means of transportation. 

I-Bike innovates the existing local bike culture and guarantees the transportation standards established by national government bodies. The program aims to lessen the transportation-related climate impacts, encourage environmentally friendly practices, and reduce and eliminate road crash accidents.

The I-Bike program guarantees that design and construction of necessary infrastructure and facilities are based on international standards. Sustainability and continuity are ensured through multi-sectoral consultation that informs the passage of policies and institutionalization of ordinances related to road safety and active mobility. Program innovations are undertaken through the Iloilo Bike Council and its collaborations with bikers’ groups, advocates, business, private sector, and relevant stakeholders.

Iloilo City’s bike culture has gained wider following in recent years, and presents opportunities for people participation and empowerment. The annual “Iloilo Bike Festival” drew up to 10,000 bikers from all over the Philippines during its pre-pandemic editions since 2014. At present, there are around 150-200 bike organizations in Iloilo with members coming from all over the region.

Iloilo City has come a long way since the conceptualization of its bike lanes, networks, and similar initiatives. At present, the city cemented itself as the “Bike Capital of the Philippines” and is considered the country’s “most bike-friendly city.” 

I-Bike is a manifestation of the city’s collective goal to transform the metro into an inclusive, modern, and sustainable society. It is an outcome of action-oriented leadership that has inspired the people of Iloilo to become change makers in their respective communities.

The different components of I-Bike serve as a driving force that will keep Iloilo City dynamic, energetic, liveable, and resilient in the years to come.

More information:

https://iloilocity.gov.ph/main/  (External link)