TACLOBAN CITY – A climate solution initiative and bike-share program called “Pedal Palapag” was recently launched in the municipality of Palapag in Northern Samar.
The initiative uses active mobility to adapt to climate change and aims to bridge the distance between students’ homes and the school, ensuring smoother travel for recipients.
At least 15 bicycles were distributed to students in Barangay Manajao and Barangay Binay, along with two mountain bikes for disaster risk reduction and management personnel for its pilot program.
Pedal Palapag is an effort between Sarayo Forests, various barangay-based People’s Organizations (POs), local outdoor clubs, as well as the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Greenpeace Campaigner Jefferson Chua noted that green transport solutions can answer the challenge to adapt sustainably.
“As climate impacts escalate, access to education gets affected, disproportionately more for the most vulnerable communities,” Chua said.
“Through projects like this, we take the power back from corporations to decide for us, and show the world that collective community action is not only possible but necessary,” he added.
Pedal Palapag coincided with the Dalagan Race in celebration of the 438th founding anniversary of Palapag this month.
Palapag is a historical site known for the first organized rebellion against the Spaniards from 1649 to 1650 and encouraged another one in 1884-1886.
The movement is known in Philippine history as the Sumoroy Revolt led by Waray leader Juan Agustin Sumoroy.