A New Approach for Road Safety Action

By Engr. Ray Adrian Macalalag

Last March 19, the Philippine government reaffirmed its commitment to road safety, taking a significant step forward in protecting lives, especially those of children. The Department of Health (DOH) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) co-hosted the 2025 Philippine Road Safety Summit in Manila. This crucial event brought together key officials, experts, and stakeholders to discuss and address urgent road safety concerns. With this year’s theme, “Safe Streets, Save Children,” the summit underscored the importance of stronger traffic law enforcement, responsive policy-making, and collaborative efforts. The urgency of these discussions is clear, as every day, at least four children lose their lives on Philippine roads.

The summit also served as a continuation of the commitments made during the 4th Global Ministerial Conference for Road Safety in Marrakech, Morocco. At this international gathering, attended by both the Philippine Health and Transportation Secretaries, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa pledged to reduce serious road-related injuries by 50 percent by 2028. The DOH has since reaffirmed its dedication to implementing the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028, which includes promoting active transport, expanding bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, enforcing traffic laws on helmet and seatbelt use, and strengthening trauma care centers.

As a participant in the said road safety conference in Morocco and a global youth mobility ambassador of the 3rd World Youth Assembly for Road Safety, I have witnessed firsthand how global best practices can be tailored to local needs. This approach, known as “glocalization,” challenges the common misconception that developing countries cannot afford or implement the safety measures of high-income nations.

This belief fueled my efforts to propose the Ligtas na Kalsada for All (LinK4All) project, which I conceptualized in 2022 while applying for a scholarship. With the support of my colleagues in the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office VI, I am honored to see this vision come to life as part of my Australia Awards scholarship re-entry action plan. Last Friday, the Regional Development Council (RDC) VI approved the implementation of LinK4All, marking a major milestone in road safety planning for Western Visayas.

The LinK4All Project will provide a systematic and evidence-based approach to road safety planning, investment programming, and implementation. It ensures that key stakeholders are well-informed and actively involved in developing Western Visayas’ inaugural Road Safety Action Plan. Moreover, it marks the first plan in the country to be legitimized through the RDC. The RDC VI, after all, is the highest policy-making body in the regional level that brings together government agencies, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations.

LinK4All follows a sustainable cyclical process of education, planning, execution, and evaluation. This means continuous learning from what works and what does not, ensuring that policies remain relevant and effective. Most importantly, the project upholds the principle of inclusivity, as the draft plan will be made available online for public feedback before final approval to ensure that every voice is heard.

Addressing road safety requires a multi-sectoral approach. While specific agencies play a crucial role, sustainable and long-term solutions must involve urban planners, educators, law enforcement, local governments, private sector stakeholders, and the public. Notwithstanding, the role of the RDC is underscored in this project highlighting its organizational structure and position in regional development. A coordinated effort across sectors is essential to building a safer road environment for all. By fostering collaboration and evidence-based policymaking, we can create road systems that prioritize safety, efficiency, and accessibility for every road user.