The Make It Safe Movement (MISMO) celebrated the Philippines’ Road Safety Month through a Jane’s Walk activity. A walking experience through the dense streets of Quiapo. Where the participants reimagined the streets when it was designed for people.
A Jane’s Walk is done every May to remember Jane Jacobs (1916-2006). Jacobs was a writer, urbanist, and activist who fought for a people-centric city. She wrote a book in 1961 to introduce ground-breaking ideas that became pillars for modern architects, planners, activists, city legislators, and builders. She titled the book “The Death and Life of Great American Cities,” which shows how a city should evolve, function, and break. She helped derail car-centric cities, with no formal background, to energize neighbourhood and community activism.
The 24 participants started at the Plaza Lacson, where the area was originally designed for people to walk. Then the group made their way through the dense crowd of Carriedo Street to reach Plaza Miranda. On Sunday, 18 May, this area becomes as crowded as it can be, with the uneven pavement presenting a challenge for the group. They continued their walk to Quinta Public Market and climbed the stairs of Manuel Quezon Bridge to cross to the river. The stairs itself has become a public bathroom for any passerby. The group crossed the bridge to get to the Andres Bonifacio Monument. To reach their final destination, they have to walk down the underpass and get back up to Arroceros Forest Park.
The group discussed how the experience can be different if it is reimagined. What if Manila remains a people-centric city today? Where accessibility and safety can actually exist and be felt by everyone.
