Naga City in Camarines Sur turned Magsaysay Avenue into a car-free community space on Sunday, November 16, 2025, drawing families, children, artists, and fitness groups for the first Carless Sunday event.

The city tourism office said the first rollout transformed the area into a “vibrant community space” with fitness activities, street art, and chalk zones for children.

The Carless Sunday reportedly promotes eco-friendly habits and stronger community bonds.

Mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo said the activity brought a strong sense of togetherness to the city.

“This is what we hoped Sundays in Naga would be — families strolling; children playing, learning to skate and ride a bike, drawing on the streets using colored chalks; musicians singing and playing music; artists painting murals and doing street art; pets joining the fun with their owners; vendors plying their trade; and friends spending time together along the stretch of Magsaysay Avenue,” she wrote in a Facebook post.

Robredo thanked local offices and volunteers who organized the activity and said the city will hold Carless Sundays for the rest of November 2025.

“There are still lots of opportunities to make it better, but what a wonderful sense of community this activity has brought us,” she added.

Large crowds joined the activities along the closed road. In an interview with state media, Robredo said the strong turnout exceeded expectations.

“Actually, maugmahun subanggi. Dae ’ta ine-expect na kaarog kato kagulpi ang tao. Ine-expect ’ta na magugustuhan kan mga tao na may oras na devoted, na may tugtog, pero dae ’ta ine-expect si dagsa kan tawo,” she said.

Robredo said many residents are looking for safe outdoor spaces because the city does not have many large, well-developed parks.

“Talagang nagahanap ang mga tawo pasyaran. Mayo kaya baga kitang parks na maayos,” she said.

She noted that the kid-friendly zone became one of the most popular areas that night, with children freely running and playing.

“Pinaka-blockbuster si mga kawatan pang aki,” she said.

Some parents also told her their children were reluctant to leave because they enjoyed the activity so much. Many expressed gratitude for the safe and family-friendly environment.

“Kadakol duman na mga magurang nagsasabi na su mga aki ninda nagkakawat. Tapos su mga magurang, honestly, nagpapasalamat na igwa kadto,” she added.

Robredo said Carless Sunday will continue every week in November 2025, with the city assessing possible improvements after each rollout.

“Ini ang plano ’ta initially for Sundays of November. Pero piguulayan mi su ogma, every Sunday ma-assess kita kung ano su mga improvements na pwede gibuhon,” she said.

She added that they are open to expanding the program to other areas, including the Central Business District, especially during the Christmas season.

“Pero dae kita sarado… Baka, in the future, maggibo man kita sa CBD 1, lalo na pag Christmas, dahil igwa decorations sa Plaza Rizal saka sa Plaza Quince Martires,” she said.

City Hall also encouraged residents to join the weekly event, noting that the road is safe and child-friendly for jogging and biking, and offers walk zones, Zumba sessions, free bike lessons, and recreation areas until 11 p.m.

The city invited the public to return next Sunday, November 23, 2025.