Iloilo City has made history. It is the first recipient of the prestigious Katipunan Award. This recognition was given at the 2025 Mobility Awards ceremony. This landmark achievement celebrated champions of active mobility across the Philippines. It was alongside Quezon City’s designation as the Most Bike-Friendly City of the year. It highlighted significant strides in creating more sustainable, accessible, and people-centered urban environments.
This year marks the fourth year of the Mobility Awards. The awards ceremony recognizes outstanding champions of active mobility across the Philippines. The first-ever Katipunan Award was awarded to Iloilo City. This follows three consecutive gold recognitions as a Bicycle-Friendly City. “We are very, very proud to have been able to achieve the Katipunan Award,” said Arch. Wilfredo Sy, Jr., EnP, Architect II, and Iloilo City Bicycle Council Member. “Most of our success is thanks to our private-public partnerships. Because of this, we try to improve our bike culture across sectors. We always want to share our experiences with other cities to help inspire them.” This distinction reflects the city’s consistent leadership. It shows their commitment to developing comprehensive bike lane networks. It also highlights their efforts in upgrading pedestrian infrastructure. Furthermore, it recognizes their sustained programs that put people, not cars, at the heart of urban mobility.
Quezon City was declared this year’s Most Bike-Friendly City. They received a gold rating. Iloilo City placed second. Marikina City followed in third place with a bronze rating. The awards also introduced two new categories this year. These were the Special Citations for Bicycle-Friendly Schools and Pedestrian-Friendly Cities. Caraga State University-Main Campus in Butuan City received a Silver rating. Luis Y. Ferrer Jr. Senior High School in Cavite received a Bronze rating. They are among the first awardees of the Bicycle-Friendly Schools. This award recognizes educational institutions. It honors those who invest in safe bike parking. It also celebrates campuses with accessible bike infrastructure.
“We believe that the university is not just a place of learning. It is also a living model of the future,” said Caraga State University Pollution Control and Environmental Management Office Head Vincent Cotoron. “We aspire to build safer, greener, and more inclusive spaces. We aim to empower our students, faculty, and staff to make everyday choices. These choices are not just for their personal well-being, but for our planet as well. This award affirms that our university is on the right path.”
Meanwhile, the Pedestrian-Friendly Cities Special Award spotlights cities making significant investments in walkable streets. It recognizes cities with safer pedestrian crossings. It also honors those with accessible sidewalks. People-first urban designs are also highlighted. Quezon City received the inaugural award. They were rated as Silver under this category. “These dual wins, both for cycling and pedestrianization, show our city’s commitment to people-oriented mobility,” said Quezon City Government Assistant City Administrator for Operations Alberto Kimpo, ENP. “We are at the forefront of changing lifestyles, changing behaviors, and hopefully addressing the biases against mobility in our nation.”
Maria Golda Hilario is the Mobility Awards co-convenor. She is also the Director for Urban Development of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC). She highlighted the significance of the event. “As we continue to build more inclusive and people-centered communities, may the stories of our winners today remind us that each of us plays a part in shaping a future where everyone can move freely, safely, and with dignity,” she stated.
The Mobility Awards also honored delivery riders. Their daily work and livelihood primarily use bicycles. They were recognized under the Padyak Champion Awards. Princess Jonna Burgos, a solo parent, bikes long hours to support her three young children. Daniel Carmona, a team leader, mentors new riders and promotes road safety. Ma. Consolacion Tanquintic cycled her way to putting her children through college. She now inspires her community as a barangay kagawad.
Mobility Awards National Coordinator Arielle Celine Tabinga emphasized the call to action. “For our winners who are here today, to our audiences, the private and the government sector, we at the Mobility Awards are challenging you to do more and to do better for our kapwa (fellow) Filipinos,” she urged. The awarding ceremony was held on Tuesday, November 25, at The B Hotel in Quezon City.
The full list of winners of the 2025 edition of the Mobility Awards:
Katipunan Awardee
Iloilo City (three-time Consecutive Gold, Bicycle-friendly City)
Bicycle-Friendly Cities
1: Quezon City (Gold)
2: Iloilo City (Gold)
3: Marikina City (Silver)
Bicycle-Friendly Workplaces
1: GSIS Main Office (Gold)
2: Department of Trade and Industry (Silver)
3: Medical City Ortigas (Silver)
Bicycle-Friendly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
1: Magdamag Market Cafe (Silver)
2: Wicked Coffee (Bronze)
3: Localhost Coffee Shop (Bronze)
Bicycle-Friendly Large Establishments
1: SM Marikina (Gold)
2: SM Mall of Asia (Silver)
3: Megaworld Iloilo Business Park (Silver)
Bicycle-Friendly Schools
University Level: Caraga State University – Main Campus (Silver)
Secondary High School: Luis Y. Ferrer Jr. Senior High School (Bronze)
Siklista ng Bayan
1: Reymundo Palonpon
2: Tatay Carlos Orit
3: Maria Teresita Cator
3: Wilfredo Barrion
Special Awards
Matulungin: Romeo Andalan Piga
Masikap: Ronald Regino
Maaasahan: Rufo Tarasona
Padyak Champion Awards
1: Princess Jonna Burgos
2: Daniel Carmona
3: Ma. Consolacion Tanquintic
Special Awards
Matulungin: Joel Lapuz
Maaasahan: Brando Borja Contreras
Masikap: Eugene Andal Santiago
Giveaway Winners
Overall Top Nominator: Eliazar Montes
The Mobility Awards are organized by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, MNL Moves, 350 Pilipinas, The Climate Reality Project Philippines, and Pinay Bike Commuter Community. They partnered with 22 local active mobility organizations nationwide. For more information about the Mobility Awards and to view the full list of winners, please visit their official website.
