With the aim of promoting eco-friendly public transportation and safer bike lanes in Davao City, Ateneo de Davao University Mass Communication students organized “A Mission for Emission,” a cycling event, last February 29 at Roxas Freedom Park.

In collaboration with the City Government of Davao and Ecoteneo, “A Mission for Emission,” which was open to Dabawenyos who own eco-friendly alternatives that do not emit carbon dioxide such as bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, and non-motorized tricylces or “trisikads,” gathered approximately 150 participants.

The route of the parade started from Ateneo de Davao University Roxas, Ponciano Street, Rizal Street, Anda Street, Magallanes Street, Claveria Street, and Roxas Street and back to AdDU Roxas.

Geia Uy Mendoza, a graduating AB Mass Communication student who led the organizing committee, said that they want to be recognized globally in reducing carbon dioxide emissions of transportation and that the local government “should take an action on the growing clamor for safer streets for cyclists.”

“We want to encourage all Dabawenyos to proactively participate in addressing the climate emergency and we also hope that our efforts would inspire the local government to provide efficient bike lanes and bike parking space,” Mendoza said.

Monica Ayala, current administrator of Davao City’s Cycle for Life and a fellow advocate for sustainable transport, shared that the event is something that the youth should be talking about.

“It should be a conversation piece. Pollution and traffic are connected to our health and it has effects on people especially children and animals. We must go down to the root of who is the true beneficiary of the cause that we are lobbying for,” Ayala said.

She also hopes that they can find their right agency and network to engage with this kind of advocacy so that it will be more influential and effective.

The event served as a kickstart for the month-long celebration of Earth Hour, a global movement organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights, for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m on March 28.