Group of Vloggers Call for Safe Sidewalks in Metro Manila
A group of vloggers in Metro Manila is urging the government to make sidewalks safer and more “walkable” for pedestrians.
Recently, JetNekko, a TikTok user, shared a video of vloggers having their campaign by walking around Metro Manila. The video quickly circulated on social media and garnered various reactions from the online community.
The group, known as the “Chinito Walkers” from De La Salle University (DLSU), began their campaign by simply sharing their own experiences walking around the city. The casual “trip-trip” video quickly went viral, inspiring many to pay attention to the state of Metro Manila’s streets.
In one of their videos, the group walked from DLSU on Taft Avenue all the way to Quirino Avenue, showing how difficult it can be to navigate the sidewalks.
The content creators encountered parked motorcycles and tricycles blocking the paths, piles of animal and human waste, and uneven surfaces that made walking a challenge. They even joked about avoiding these “land mines” while walking.
As they reached Osmeña Highway, the walk became even tougher. The sidewalk, which they called a “rocky road,” was filled with stones, broken glass, and other hazards. Through this nearly two-kilometer walk, the group realized that pedestrian safety is often not a priority in the city’s planning, particularly for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The “Chinito Walkers” emphasized the importance of being alert while walking, noting that many streets have effectively become danger zones.
Their goal is to encourage local authorities to prioritize sidewalks and safe pathways in future road projects, ensuring that walking in the city is accessible, safe, and comfortable for everyone.
The group first gained attention when they walked six kilometers from DLSU Taft to their homes near Bambang, Manila, simply to demonstrate the challenges pedestrians face daily.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the video:
