Last March 19, the Philippine government reaffirmed its commitment to road safety. This was a significant step ahead in protecting lives, especially those of children. The Department of Health (DOH) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) co-hosted the 2025 Philippine Road Safety Summit in Manila. This crucial event brought together key officials, experts, and stakeholders to discuss and tackle urgent road safety concerns. With this year’s theme, “Safe Streets, Save Children,” the summit stressed the need for stronger traffic law enforcement. It also emphasized responsive policy-making and encouraged collaborative efforts. The urgency of these discussions is clear, as every day, at least four children lose their lives on Philippine roads.

The summit continued the commitments made during the 4th Global Ministerial Conference for Road Safety. This conference took place in Marrakech, Morocco. At this international gathering, both the Philippine Health and Transportation Secretaries attended. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa pledged to reduce serious road-related injuries by 50 percent by 2028. The DOH has since reaffirmed its dedication to implementing the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028. This plan includes promoting active transport and expanding bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. It also focuses on enforcing traffic laws regarding helmet and seatbelt use. Moreover, it aims to strengthen trauma care centers.

I participated in the road safety conference in Morocco. I am also a global youth mobility ambassador of the 3rd World Youth Assembly for Road Safety. I have witnessed firsthand how global best practices can be tailored to local needs. This approach is known as “glocalization.” It challenges the common misconception that developing countries cannot afford or implement the safety measures of high-income nations.

This belief fueled my efforts to propose the Ligtas na Kalsada for All (LinK4All) project. I conceptualized it in 2022 while applying for the Australia Awards Scholarship. I am honored to see this vision come to life. My colleagues in the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office VI supported me. This is part of my Australia Awards scholarship re-entry action plan. Last Friday, the Regional Development Council (RDC) VI approved the implementation of LinK4All. It marks a major milestone in road safety planning for Western Visayas.

The LinK4All Project will offer a systematic and evidence-based approach to road safety planning, investment programming, and implementation. It ensures that key stakeholders are well-informed and actively involved in developing Western Visayas’ inaugural Road Safety Action Plan. Moreover, it marks the first plan in the country to be legitimized through the RDC. The RDC VI, after all, is the highest policy-making body at the regional level. It brings together government agencies, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations.

LinK4All follows a sustainable cyclical process of education, planning, execution, and evaluation. This means continuous learning from what works and what does not, making sure that policies stay relevant and effective. Most importantly, the project upholds the principle of inclusivity. The draft plan will be made available online for public feedback before final approval. This is done to guarantee that every voice is heard. Addressing road safety requires a multi-sectoral approach. While specific agencies play a crucial role, urban planners, educators, law enforcement, and local governments must be involved. Private sector stakeholders and the public are also essential for sustainable and long-term solutions. Additionally, the project highlights the role of the RDC. It underscores its organizational structure. The RDC’s position in regional development is also significant. A coordinated effort across sectors is essential to building a safer road environment for all. We must foster collaboration and use evidence-based policymaking. This way, we can create road systems that prioritize safety, efficiency, and accessibility for every road user.