'Chinito Walkers' campaign for walkable Metro Manila

A group of content creators is campaigning for a safe and walkable Metro Manila, one step at a time.

According to Mark Salazar's report on "24 Oras," Monday, the group is called Chinito Walkers, who study in De La Salle University.

"Sobrang haba po ng pila ng LRT na umaabot sa labas," a member said. "College kami, college friends. Parang sinabi lang namin, what if lakarin natin from La Salle to bahay natin."

"That one video kinda blew up on TikTok," he added. "Parang na-open 'yung eyes namin na parang, mahirap pala talaga maglakad sa Metro Manila.

Mark joined the Chinito Walkers in one of their walks from La Salle in Taft Avenue to Quirino Avenue in Manila to experience what it is like.

"Every time we step outside, we definitely have to be attentive and alert pa rin sa surroundings namin," the member said. "Kahit sanay na, it's not an excuse to just you know, not look around."

The weather, whether sunny or rainy, is also a risk.

Quirino Avenue also houses illegal parking, people's and animals' cleaning areas, rocky paths, and green rivers.

"Ano mang kondisyon ng Quirino Avenue, susuungin ng mga walang choice," Mark said.

Quirino Avenue corner Osmena Highway also lacks a proper pedestrian crosswalk or overpass, so an enforcer has to guide them.

After walking for almost two kilometers, Mark realized that senior citizens and persons with disabilities would be unable to walk that far, as it would be too difficult for them.

The Chinito Walkers hope that one day the government will prioritize pedestrian safety.

"The ways na tinayo 'yung mga sidewalks, 'yung mga roads, parang pinrarioritize talaga 'yung mga cars before pedestrians," a member said. —Nika Roque/MGP, GMA News