MBC, Shell Pilipinas team up to develop safer streets in San Juan 

San Juan City is taking a significant step towards creating safer streets for its residents, thanks to a joint effort by the Makati Business Club (MBC) and Shell Pilipinas Corporation. The collaborative initiative was launched under the leadership of San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, with the participation of representatives from Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Boysen Paints, and MBC.

The focal point of the project is the Asphalt Art initiative along Pinaglabanan Street in San Juan City. Research has shown that artwork on the streets can effectively reduce vehicular speed and contribute to a safer environment, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. Inspired by the Asphalt Art Initiative funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies in 2020 across the United States and Europe, this project aims to enhance safety measures for bike commuters and pedestrians in the area.

Pinaglabanan Street, being one of the busiest thoroughfares in San Juan, has been chosen as the location for the project. It encompasses the creation of a wider and more visible pedestrian crossing between San Juan City Hall and Pinaglabanan Elementary School. Additionally, it aims to improve the right-of-way for merging bike commuters and bridge gaps in the existing bike lanes within the vicinity.

Advertisement

Mayor Francis Zamora led the official unveiling of the project, expressing his gratitude and full support. "I am grateful to the Makati Business Club, Shell Pilipinas, and Boysen for bringing us this asphalt art street," Mayor Zamora stated. He was joined by Vice Mayor Warren Villa and several councilors, including Franco Tanada-Yam, Kit Peralta, Don Alado, Ariel Atad, and Totoy Bernardo.

Representatives from MBC and Shell Pilipinas Corporation were also present during the event. Conrad Parizal, Shell's Country Manager for Social Investments, highlighted the project's alignment with the city's goal of ensuring the safety of all road users. "While roads, bridges, trains, and infrastructure are important, pedestrian lanes and bicycle lanes are crucial for those who do not have cars or motorcycles," said Coco Alcuaz, Executive Director of MBC, emphasizing the significance of the asphalt art project in San Juan.

Shell Pilipinas Corporation serves as the primary partner for MBC's Business for Biking Program. The asphalt art street was conceptualized and executed by talented artists who are alumni of Shell's National Students Art Competition, including Emil Aldrine Alarcon, Didier Marc Alarcon, Ferd Angelo Failano, Mherlo Mahinay, Glenn Gonzales, Venice Florencio, Andrew Rimpola, and Marko Sarmiento.

Boysen Paints, a trusted partner, provided the necessary paint for the project. Vergel Dyoco, Marketing Manager of Boysen Paints, expressed their commitment to supporting the city's infrastructure projects. "As we celebrate our 70th year in the industry, we're thankful to be part of everything that's sustainable and environmentally friendly," Dyoco remarked.

The project involved the collaboration of local artists, facilitated by Team On Ground Integrated, Shell's partner activation agency. With the support of San Juan's Public Information Office, Traffic and Parking Management Office, and General Services Department, the painting process was completed within one week.

Monitoring of the project's impact will continue in the upcoming months to assess its effectiveness in promoting road safety.

MBC's transportation advocacy focuses on providing safe and reliable mobility for all, especially for the majority of households (94%) without cars and the significant portion (63%) without motorcycles. This includes improving public transportation, as well as enhancing bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings to ensure safe and convenient mobility for everyone in the city.