Press Release | 23 May 2024

The Department of Health (DOH), led by Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, emphasized the need for collaborative effort and strengthened inter-agency initiatives to improve road safety as the agency spearheads “Biyaheng Kalusugan: Road Safety Month with the theme “Idol sa Kalsada: Walk, Bike, and Ride for Road Safety for a Bagong Pilipinas!” in San Juan, La Union, on May 23–24, 2024.

Secretary Herbosa emphasized that existing road safety initiatives should align with the five (5) pillars of road safety: road safety management, safer roads and mobility, safer vehicles, safer road users, and post-crash response. These pillars aim to enhance access to pre-hospital care, trauma care, and rehabilitation for road crash victims.

The two-day event, which will be held in collaboration with partner agencies and organizations in the Ilocos region, pushes for a safer road system for bikers, cyclists, pedestrians, and commuters. Among the activities in line are motorcade, hands-on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for drivers, interactive seminars, and dissemination of information education and communication materials. Participating agencies will also set up booths and provide frontline and consultation services centered on promoting road safety and raising awareness on its health impact, targeting over 100 tricycle operators and drivers’ associations, various cyclists and riders’ organizations, and high school students in San Juan, La Union.

Ilocos Center for Health Development Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said that the greatest gains in road safety happen when all agencies work together and focus on a collaborative effort in advancing road safety initiatives. She also emphasized that safer roads can be achieved by sustaining health promotion and the protection of active transport.

“Ensuring road safety requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Through this event, we will bring together various stakeholders to build a culture of safety and awareness, ultimately saving lives and promoting a healthier, safer Bagong Pilipinas, kung saan Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” expressed Health Secretary Herbosa.