On 19 August, Pedal Like Jesse!
FNF Philippines' “It’s all about Freedom” campaign shall once again pedal its way to an activity that would encourage the wider public to take a proactive role on the discussion of freedom, this time, highlighting innovation through the development of smart cities.
Developing a smart city involves the use of technology and modern designs to improve mobility, urban planning and citizen participation. With many cities facing exponential growth in terms of population and technology-usage, challenges such as environmental management and traffic congestion should be addressed. Nonetheless, there are also opportunities that can be tapped in these fast-paced times. Modern mobility, innovative disruption, business promotion and civic engagement are the bright spots that FNF would like to seize. Together with empowered citizenry and proactive governments, policy reforms and initiatives to develop smart cities will be more effective and sustainable.
Together with the Office of the Vice President of the Philippines and the Naga City Local Government and Kaya Natin, FNF Philippines will hold the Freedom Cycle on 19 August in Naga City. It will be an interactive biking event. In approximately 24 km route, cyclists will assemble and participate in a program that will take place in Naga City Hall Grounds, before they could proceed to the race.This event will also celebrate Naga City’s iconic leader, the late Secretary of Interior and Local Government, and their very own Mayor, Jesse Robredo, on his 5th death anniversary. This will serve as a commemoration of his leadership that was uniquely characterized by his yearning for innovation and for people empowerment.
In the pursuit to sustain and elevate the initiatives that Sec. Jesse started, this event will highlight Naga City as a trailblazer for innovation in local governance. Some of its known best practices in local governance are in the areas of E-governance ("i-governance"- TextServe, Netserve, ICT-DEV), transportation and mobility (Integrated Naga River Revitalization Project, Intra-City Transport and Road Network Development Program (INTRONET), Resolution No. 2014-128: Taxicles), and climate change resiliency (RA 8749: Clean Air Act, Ordinance No. 2011-039) that led to the city’s improved finances, transparency in administrative work, and efficient delivery of services on an environment friendly manner to the Nagueños.
"We would like to keep Sec. Jesse's legacy of innovation alive in Naga City. We are currently pushing for policies that provide alternative mode of transportation that are eco-friendly, economical and safe for Nagueños," says Councilor Ray-an Rentoy.
The Freedom Cycle hopes to support Naga City and other LGUs around the Philippines, that are on their way to becoming smart cities. "As a non-profit organization that promotes freedom and democracy, FNF continues to recognize local initiatives and policies that are replicable and sustainable. The Freedom Cycle is one way to raise awareness and gather like-minded individuals who can be partners to push for these initiatives," expressed Mr. Wolfgang Heinze, Country Director of FNF Philippines.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation in a German non-profit organization that promotes good governance, human rights, responsible environmental stewardship, rule of law and economic freedom.
Registration is free! It will be open from 17 July - 17 August at the Naga City Sports Office, Office of Vice President Leni Robredo and Office of Councilor Ray-an Rentoy (Naga City Hall). For more details and updates about the event, please get in touch with our local partners (Office of Councilor Rentoy) or visit our website www.philippines.fnst.org and FNF Philippines' social media pages.