By Benjamin Cuaresma
CALOOCAN City — Starting this month, March 2026, the Caloocan City government will implement its Car-Free Sundays program, closing a portion of 9th Street in Grace Park East to motorists every Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The initiative, anchored on City Ordinance No. 1158, Series of 2025, aims to encourage a healthier lifestyle by providing a safe environment for joggers, cyclists, skaters, and other fitness enthusiasts.
Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan welcomed the launch, describing it as a significant step toward reclaiming streets for the public. “Bukod sa pagpapalakas ng ating mga ospital at pagpapaganda ng ating health services, malaking bagay din sa pangangalaga ng kalusugan ng mga mamamayan na nabibigyan sila ng oportunidad na gumalaw at makapag-ehersisyo,” he said.
The local government plans to continue opening more public spaces for recreational and fitness activities. “Dumarami na rin po ang joggers, runners, cyclists, at kahit skaters dito sa Caloocan kaya tuloy-tuloy po kami sa pagbubukas ng mga parke at espasyo para magawa nila ang kanilang mga aktibidad sa ligtas na lugar,” Mayor Malapitan added.
The Car-Free Sundays program reflects the city’s broader goal of prioritizing people over vehicles. “Ang mga lansangan ng Caloocan ay para sa tao at hindi sa mga sasakyan. We will keep working to give the public more safe and open spaces for their activities, at pagsusumikapan nating gawing walkable city ang Lungsod ng Caloocan,” the Mayor declared.
Motorists are advised to use alternative routes during the temporary road closure.
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