A year after SONA 2025: Did Marcos' push for car-free Sundays, active public spaces gain ground?

During his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. raised concerns over the rising prevalence of obesity among Filipinos and urged local governments to make public spaces more accessible for exercise.

Citing current implementation in select cities in Metro Manila as well as in Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao, Marcos encouraged more cities and municipalities to open parks and plazas for physical activity and expand car-free Sundays nationwide.

He also announced that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will open its facilities to the public for free.

A year later, how much progress has been made?

All three PSC facilities—Manila, Pasig, and Baguio—have opened their track oval to the public for free at select hours, announcing its weekly schedule on social media for better information, access, and usage.

Meanwhile, several LGUs across the country have started implementing car-less Sunday programs.

Butuan

Butuan City launched a car-free Sunday program after Marcos' SONA 2025.

Backed by Sangguniang Panlungsod Ordinance No. 17-019-2025, the initiative was first rolled out in August 2025, before its full implementation in November 2025, coinciding with the World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims.

The ordinance aims to promote safer, healthier, and more sustainable public spaces. Posts from city officials and residents indicate the weekly activity remains ongoing as of mid-2026.

General Santos

General Santos City has taken initial steps toward establishing a car-free Sunday program. In January 2026, the Sangguniang Panlungsod introduced the proposed "Sunday Carfree, Carefree" program, which seeks to temporarily restrict vehicular traffic on selected roads every Sunday to encourage walking, cycling, and other healthy community activities.

As of July 2026, the measure has been proposed, but there is no indication that it has already been fully implemented.

Tacloban City

Tacloban City adopted car-free Sundays in March 2026 through Executive Order No. 2026-03-007 signed by Mayor Alfred Romualdez.

The order designates portions of Magsaysay Boulevard and the Astrodome area as vehicle-free every Sunday to encourage activities such as jogging, walking, cycling, Zumba, and other community fitness exercises.

Lapu-Lapu City

In July 2026, Lapu-Lapu City implemented car-free Sundays along Lt. General Eleno Amores Sr. Road (formerly Hoops Dome Road).

Launched under Mayor Cindi King-Chan, the initiative provides a vehicle-free space for walking, jogging, cycling, Zumba, retro fitness activities, and other outdoor exercises.

Bukidnon

In June 2026, the Provincial Government of Bukidnon launched the trial implementation of Car-Free Sundays at Kaamulan Park in Malaybalay City.

Implemented throughout the month, the initiative temporarily closed a 1.29-kilometer route to motor vehicles, providing a safe space for runners, cyclists, skaters, and parkgoers while promoting health, wellness, and an active lifestyle.

Pioneer LGUs of the car-less program—Pasig, Makati, QC, Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao—are still at it, continuing their initiative of promoting an active lifestyle.

In his SONA 2025 speech, Marcos cited Iloilo as among the local governments adopting a car-free Sunday but the city is still in the process of passing an ordinance establishing the program.

In June 2026, the Iloilo City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance establishing a Car-Free Sundays program along a portion of Sunset Boulevard.

Authored by Councilor Miguel Treñas, the measure seeks to temporarily close the road to motor vehicles every Sunday to accommodate pedestrians and recreational, fitness, and community activities.

Meanwhile, Marikina City has suspended its program last May due to a drainage improvement project being undertaken by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority along Gil Fernando Avenue corner Aquilina Street.

And Manila, as of July 2026, is no longer implementing the car-less program on Roxas Boulevard, which it first started back in 2024.

And what of Filipinos' obesity?

In June 2026, the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute released a survey that showed obesity among Filipino adults aged 20 to 59 increased from 39.8% in 2023 to 44.5% in 2025.

The survey also found that obesity was more prevalent among women (50.1%), urban residents (48.3%), and individuals from wealthy households (57.8%). The National Capital Region recorded the highest obesity prevalence at 52.7%, followed by the Cordillera Administrative Region (50.6%) and Central Luzon (49.6%).

Open, green spaces needed

In an interview with GMA News Online, wellness instructor Rain Matienzo said initiatives like car-free Sundays can have a meaningful impact on Filipinos' lifestyles, but they should not be limited to one day a week.

"What we really need are more permanent, accessible public spaces that encourage movement every day," she said.

"I've traveled around Asia, and one thing that stands out is how well-maintained their parks and open spaces are," she added. "You see children playing, parents walking together, senior citizens exercising, and dedicated areas for jogging, calisthenics, cycling, and other recreational activities."

Echoing Matienzo’s sentiment, board-certified psychiatrist Neil Bryan Zafra said the concept of car-free Sundays on specific roads can have a positive impact on people’s health, especially for those looking for open spaces to engage in physical activity.

"There will be more spaces for us to do exercise, breathe fresh air, and experience a break from the fast-paced city life," he said.

However, Zafra said that beyond car-free Sundays, what the country needs is more green space.

"We need more green spaces in the city to help us improve our mental health," he said. "As a recommendation, the government can do urban planning for the development of parks and green spaces, instead of shopping malls."

In an earlier report, Merly Cruz, a senior citizen from Quezon City, said that regularly taking part in her city's physical activity initiatives helps her stay fit.

"Senior na kasi kami," she said, adding that she enjoys attending the regular two-hour Zumba sessions and that the car-free avenue has also helped her get more steps in. — LA, GMA News