Pasig: No cars allowed on Emerald Ave on Sunday

Emerald Ave. off-limits to vehicles from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every Sunday

Good news for residents of Pasig City and the rest of Metro Manila that want to enjoy some open space on Sundays. The Pasig City government announced that Emerald Avenue (F. Ortigas Jr. Road) in the Ortigas Business District will be exclusive for pedestrians, bicycles, and other light personal mobility devices every Sunday.

That means the stretch of road will be off-limits to all vehicles. The new scheme was put in effect last Sunday, November 21, and runs from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The Pasig City government calls it Open Street Sundays, and it will allow residents and non-residents alike to experience Emerald Avenue as an open public space. With that, people can hang out, bike, jog, enjoy Zumba in the middle of the street, and more without having to worry about vehicles passing through the road.

Best of all, it is free to use for everyone. No need to pay an entrance fee or what not to enjoy Emerald Avenue on Sundays for leisure. The only request by the LGU is for people to follow minimum health standards, i.e. wearing facemasks and social distancing.

By the looks of it, people took advantage of the road closure last weekend. Interestingly, this won't be the first time Emerald Ave will be closed to vehicles. According to a Pasig City local, there are times where the road has been closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

What do you think of the Pasig City government's Open Street Sundays initiative? Do you think other cities in Metro Manila should follow it? Let us know what you think in the comments.