Taguig creates exercise safe zones for residents

The local government of Taguig City has established exercise safe zones for residents who wish to do physical exercises amid quarantine protocols.

Personnel were deployed over the weekend to Bayani Road in the Heritage Memorial Park area, a popular place for Taguig residents who are jogging, cycling and doing some aerobics.

The creation of exercise safe zones came after the city government has obtained reports that some residents supposedly fail to follow health protocols while doing their physical exercises.

"Taguig will now work on making Bayani Road an exercise safe zone, with many more sites already in the pipeline," the city government said in a press release.

"The personnel on the safe zones will ensure the strict implementation of national and local guidelines through a 'tapang at malasakit' approach," it added.

The local government will also put up signages across the sites reminding the public about health and safety measures. It will also designate police and local government employees to politely inform residents if ever they commit any violation.

Bike repairs and help desks will also be established in safe zones, the city government said.

Mayor Lino Cayetano said civil society groups will also be tapped to participate in raising awareness of health and safety guidelines among the public.

“We encourage the private sector to collaborate with the government so that, together, we can ensure that citizens are protected from COVID-19,” Cayetano said.

“In the new normal, it is important that our people understand that the disease remains a threat. We must all work together," he added.

Taguig City has partnered with business sectors to increase bike-friendly areas and facilities within the area amid the "new normal," as biking has been seen as an essential mode of transportation in this time of health crisis.

So far, the city has 1,086 COVID-19 cases, with 23 deaths and 167 recoveries. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News