Ayala Avenue in Makati City will be closed to vehicular traffic every Sunday morning throughout September as part of the Ayala Land Corporation and Make It Makati's "Car-Free Sunday Mornings" initiative.
The whole stretch of the Ayala Avenue, from Salcedo-HV Dela Costa until West and Fonda Streets, will be a car-free zone from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. for the whole month.
Cyclists, runners, residents living near the avenue and visitors from across Metro Manila gathered to join the grand launch of the initiative on Sept. 10.
Highlights of the kickoff festivities were the five-kilometer fitness run, and yoga sessions offered during the program.
Members of the public, both young and old in groups of friends and families, seized the car-free hours to jog, bike, skate, walk their pets, and do fitness or recreational activities.
Robert Lao, head of Ayala Land Estates, said that the initiative was "a step to creating a more liveable, breathable city, promoting fitness and wellness, and fostering a sense of community."
"Both the City of Makati and Ayala Land are steadfast in our commitment to sustainability. We are excited to bring you car-free Sundays for an entire month, a time where the streets are yours to enjoy, free from the usual traffic," said Lao during the event.
"Let us remember that this is about more than just one day. It's about making choices for a cleaner, greener, and healthier city today and everyday," he added.
He also thanked the city government of Makati for supporting the initiative.