Fun run, marathon not yet allowed
By Chito Chavez
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya emphasized Thursday that only non-contact sports with no spectators are permitted under the recent Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) regulations.
Malaya issued the clarification in response to queries if sporting events like fun runs and organized marathons are now allowed.
He explained that fun runs and marathons are technically prohibited since they violate the provision on mass gathering.
However, Malaya noted that individuals may engage in walking, running, or biking provided they observe proper health and safety protocols.
With roughly only 20,000 plus COVID-19 cases, Malaya said this merits a cause for celebration since the country is in a better place compared to Europe, Latin America, Indonesia, India, and the United States.
Meanwhile, Malaya noted that the local government units (LGUs) were encouraged to pass ordinances consistent with the joint administrative order (AO) on active transport issued by the DILG, Department of Transportation (DoTr), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
He explained that part of the AO is the template ordinance that the LGUs may adapt.
The creation of bike lanes is a joint effort of the DILG, DoTr, and DPWH.
Malaya said that the DPWH will include bike lanes in its road projects with the DoTr having a Metro Manila bike lane network system that will be completed in October 2021 while the DILG encourages the LGUs to approve ordinances with the program.
Due to the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-100, Malaya said that 126 LGUs have completed their local transport route plan with 900 localities having identified roads for cycling and walking purposes and 40 others completing the approval of ordinances that institutionalize their respective bicycle lanes.