SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur (MindaNews / 24 August) — An early morning drizzle on Sunday did not stop thousands of health-conscious residents from filling the streets from City Hall to SM City Mall for the launch of the car-free Sunday program of the Butuan City government.
Organizers announced on social media that it was “all systems go” at 4 a.m. (moved from the original 3 a.m.), citing forecasts that the rain would be slow by then.
The entire lane of the City Hall Rotunda along J. Rosales Avenue was closed to vehicles, including public utility jeepneys. Two routes were closed from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m., and one from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The City Council earlier approved Ordinance No. 17-019-2025, authored by Councilor Clint Dabalos, designating sections of major streets to be closed every Sunday to promote sustainable mobility and green urbanism.
The measure also aims to boost micro, small, and medium enterprises by increasing foot traffic and community patronage.
The ordinance highlighted that cities worldwide have long struggled with the impacts of car-centric planning, including pollution, congestion, and the decline of communal life.
“A welcome reversal of that trend is Butuan’s decision to ban motorized traffic on a few road segments every Sunday. It encourages locals to breathe, walk, and bike—both literally and figuratively,” the ordinance noted in a social media post.
“Butuan is providing a preview of what a more livable future might entail by allowing residents to explore their city one day a week away from the din of motors and the haze of exhaust,” it added.
Mayor Lawrence Fortun, speaking at SM City Mall before the event began, said the city has a long-term plan to make its roads people-centered rather than car-centered.
Under the ordinance, the eastbound lane of J.C. Aquino Avenue from Robinsons Place to SM City will be closed from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m., while the same lane from Robinsons Place to Bancasi Rotunda (fronting the airport) will be closed from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m.
The Butuan City Mobile Force Company, led by Police Lt. Col. Randie Azote, joined the launch, dubbed “Ato Ra Kung Domingo: Car-Free Sunday.”
Azote said the initiative encourages residents to set aside their vehicles and embrace a healthier, eco-friendly lifestyle. The activity, he added, promotes walking, running, cycling, and dancing—fun and sustainable ways to spend quality time with family and the community. (Chris V. Panganiban/MindaNews)
