UNICEF, Angeles City unveil mural on safe roads for children

The Angeles City government joined United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines, Department of Education (DepEd), the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), and public interest law group ImagineLaw at Gueco Balibago Elementary School (GBES) in Angeles City, Pampanga on June 5 in unveiling a children’s mural advocating for the safety and protection of children and other vulnerable road users.

“This mural is our commitment to road safety and protecting children and all those who use the roads of the city,” said Kiko Pangilinan, head of Angeles City Traffic Development Office.

The mural carried the banner “Safe roads save children’s lives” and celebrated Angeles City’s enactment of a comprehensive Road Safety Code early this year that invests 50 million pesos in road safety programs that include heightened enforcement and training, protected bike lanes, and speed guns, among others.

“We are also working with fellow government agencies, the academe, and organizations from the private sector and civil society to introduce interventions for safe school zones,” Pangilinan also said.

Road safety advocacy group ImagineLaw and UNICEF Philippines lauded Angeles City’s road safety initiatives. “Angeles City serves as a good example to other local government units (LGUs). We admire the political will of this city in protecting children and other vulnerable road users,” said Atty. Daphne Marcelo, road safety project manager of ImagineLaw. “Playing outside or going to school should not be a life-or-death situation for children,” she added.

“UNICEF believes that every child should survive and thrive in a healthy and safe environment. When we protect them against preventable road crashes, we provide them safe journeys to school and help them reach their full potential,” said Dr. Angelito Umali, program focal for the child road traffic injury prevention program of UNICEF Philippines.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), which supports road safety programs in the city, also participated in the event and committed to continue working with LGUs like Angeles City in ensuring the protection of children from road crashes.

The United Nations recently celebrated the Week of Action on Road Safety to mobilize broader commitments to road safety, with focus on sustainable transport and safe mobility.