ILOILO CITY — Government leaders, transport planners, and cycling advocates gathered at District 21 Hotel in Mandurriao on June 3, 2026, for the Active Mobility Conference, a signature event of the 12th Iloilo Bike Festival. The conference served as a platform for discussions on sustainable transport planning and the public health benefits of walking and cycling. The event reinforced Iloilo's growing reputation as the country's bike capital and a model for people‑centered urban design.
Metro Manila Development Authority General Manager USEC Nicolas Deloso Torre III served as the plenary speaker, signaling national interest in Iloilo's mobility initiatives. He was joined by experts from the Department of Transportation's Active Transport Office, Safe Travel PH, and the Iloilo City Government. The lineup underscored the collaborative effort between national agencies and local leaders to make cities safer and more accessible for all road users.
Building a City Where Tourists Want to Pedal
The conference featured presentations on Iloilo City's active mobility initiatives and the role of walking and cycling in promoting healthier communities. Speakers included Engr. Erris Sanciangco of Safe Travel PH, Francis Troy Caiga and Eldon Joshua Dionisio from the DOTr, and Dr. Candice Magdalane Tupas, Executive Assistant for Medical Tourism. Their insights highlighted the growing demand for active mobility across the Philippines.
For the tourism sector, the conference carries direct implications. A city that invests in bike lanes, pedestrian infrastructure, and car‑free events is a city that attracts eco‑conscious travelers. The Iloilo Bike Festival, now in its 12th year, has become a tourism draw in its own right. The conference ensures that the festival is not merely a celebration but also a laboratory for policies that improve the visitor experience year‑round.
Flow City: A Vision That Keeps Moving
This year's festival theme, "Flow City: Iloilo Always on the Move," captures the city's commitment to inclusive mobility. The conference also heard from Premnath Prabakaran of Kavi Software Technologies and Mark Alloso of the City Planning Office. Their participation reflected the intersection of technology, planning, and governance that underpins Iloilo's success.
By hosting national leaders and technical experts, Iloilo is positioning itself as a thought leader in active transport. For the tourist who rents a bike to explore the Esplanade or pedals through the Bike Food Crawl, the conference's outcomes translate into safer streets and a more welcoming urban environment. The city's bike‑friendly vision is no longer a local experiment—it is a national model.
