SafeTravelPH Supports Naga’s i-Engage Ordinance at National PCL Validation
SafeTravelPH expressed strong support for Naga City’s participatory governance initiative during the validation for the Philippine Councilors League’s 1st Gawad Galing Lokal na Batas 2026, where the city’s i-Engage Ordinance was formally presented before the national selection committee.
Representing SafeTravelPH as a beneficiary of Ordinance No. 2023-004, transportation researcher Engr. Ann Camille Fajardo delivered a testimonial highlighting the measure’s role in strengthening collaboration between civil society and local government. She also shared technical recommendations to help improve local policies on e-bikes and other micro-mobility vehicles in Naga City.
Engr. Fajardo emphasized the importance of evidence-based regulation, particularly noting how proposed rules could affect non-resident users such as workers, students, and small entrepreneurs from neighboring towns who rely on the city’s roads and services. Drawing from SafeTravelPH’s research and experience supporting local governments, she recommended introducing data-based vehicle classifications to distinguish light electric vehicles, smaller e-trikes, and heavier multi-seat or cargo units, allowing safer and more appropriate rules on road use, speed, and safety requirements.
She also suggested clarifying the scope of driver’s license requirements in line with national regulations, adopting a more graduated penalty approach (such as warnings and safety seminars for first-time non-public-utility violations) and extending the transition period to 120-180 days to improve compliance through registration caravans and public safety campaigns. In addition, she highlighted the need to clarify how non-resident e-bike commuters would be treated under local registration rules to avoid unintended burdens on low-income users traveling daily into the city.
During the review process, the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Naga reported that several recommendations were reflected in subsequent policy refinements. These included adding “Light EV” to the ordinance’s definitions, clarifying that e-bikes registered in other LGUs must comply with Naga’s local regulations while operating within the city, and adopting safety-oriented provisions such as speed limits of 22 kph on barangay roads and 15 kph in shared or pedestrian areas.
The updated measures also include a warning for first-time offenses involving unregistered e-bikes and a transitional compliance period of 120 days for existing owners, aimed at supporting smoother implementation while promoting safety and accountability.
The online validation session marked an important milestone in the awards process, highlighting Naga City’s continued commitment to people-centered policies and innovative local governance.
