Walking Spaces in Bacolod: The Walking City We Deserve

Walking Spaces in Bacolod | the author with 2 of his students from USLS and 3 Co-teachers from USLs: Lei Lani Dusaban , Mikey Baylosis, Ken Carino

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Walking Spaces in Bacolod: A Simple Walk That Became Something More | Inspired by Megaworld

There was a time when our late afternoons naturally led us to The Upper East of Megaworld. It wasn’t planned. It simply became part of our routine.

We didn’t go there for anything extravagant. We went because it felt right.

The streets were calm, with very few vehicles passing by. For those of us who value Walking Spaces in Bacolod, that matters more than we sometimes realize. It meant we could move freely without constantly inhaling fumes. It meant we could slow down without worrying about traffic. It meant we could breathe—literally and figuratively.

In a city where clean air should never be a luxury, spaces like this quietly reflect the spirit of the Clean Air Act of the Philippines—reminding us that every Filipino deserves air that is safe to breathe and environments that support well-being.

Over time, I realized it wasn’t just a place to walk.

It was a place where life quietly unfolded.

While we were walking, yours truly and Lei Lani Dusaban ran into three of our students, enjoying time at the Upper East Grounds.

Walking Spaces in Bacolod That Bring People Together

What made the experience special wasn’t just the space—it was the people.

While walking, I would often run into friends, former students, or familiar faces. We would pause, exchange stories, laugh a little, then continue on our way. Those small, spontaneous encounters gave the place a kind of warmth that no building or development can ever replicate.

Even on days when I stayed at my unit in One Regis, I still found myself drawn to the same afternoon walks. I’ve tried early mornings too—but honestly, sleep is precious (haha). Late afternoons felt different. They felt shared. They felt alive.

And what a community it was.

Children playing. Teenagers laughing. Families strolling. Senior citizens walking at their own pace.

This is what Walking Spaces in Bacolod should look like—spaces where every age group feels welcome, where movement becomes natural, and where connection happens without effort.

An Unplanned Space That Worked Beautifully

One of the most interesting things I observed was how people naturally adapted the space around them.

In an undeveloped open area nearby, young people gathered to play frisbee and other games I couldn’t quite name. Along the streets, cars were parked—not as a problem, but as part of the rhythm of the place.

People brought folding chairs. Some would lounge as the sun began to set. Others came with food, quietly sharing meals outdoors. There were kids in strollers, pets being walked, and groups of friends simply enjoying the moment.

Some even sat at the back of their cars, talking, laughing, and just being present.

It wasn’t curated. It wasn’t programmed.

But it worked.

And it was beautiful.

It showed us that when Walking Spaces in Bacolod are available, people will naturally create meaningful experiences within them.

Yours truly and Lei Lani Dusaban with 2 of our students, also doing their exercise at the Uppereast

Walking Spaces in Bacolod and a Culture of Health

Without formal campaigns or loud messaging, the area encouraged something deeply important—a healthier lifestyle.

You could see it in the diversity of people using the space. From children to senior citizens, everyone found a reason to move, to walk, to engage.

Yes, there are gyms in the condominiums. I’ve used them. But there is something different about walking outdoors—seeing people, feeling the space, being part of something larger than yourself.

The gym can feel routine, even isolating at times.

But out here, it feels human.

In many ways, this is something we can genuinely thank Megaworld for. Whether intentional or not, they helped shape an environment where Walking Spaces in Bacolod promote wellness, connection, and everyday life.

That is no small contribution.

The Quiet Concern: What Happens When Development Comes?

But as with any growing area, change is inevitable.

Those open spaces—the ones where kids play, where people gather, where communities form—will eventually be developed. That is the reality of progress.

And while those of us who walk or jog may still find ways to continue, I can’t help but wonder:

Where will the children play?

Where will families gather without having to spend?

Where will communities simply exist—freely, safely, and without barriers?

This is not resistance to development.

It is a call for balance.

What do you think is running through my mind?

A Gentle Wish for More Walking Spaces in Bacolod

This brings me to a simple, sincere wish—one that I hope our city and provincial leaders can thoughtfully consider.

What if we intentionally created more Walking Spaces in Bacolod?

Not privately owned, but publicly accessible.
Not exclusive, but inclusive.
Not just for display, but for everyday life.

We hope for spaces that are:

Safe and secure, with visible peace and order
Well-lit at night, so people can walk without fear
Green and breathable, away from heavy pollution and traffic fumes
Open to the public, without unnecessary restrictions
Designed for walking, sitting, playing, and simply being

I dream of sitting in a park under a tree, reading a book or enjoying a cup of coffee—without worrying about safety.

A park that is not intimidating.

A park that is not restricted.

A park that is alive.

Because truly—what is the purpose of a park if it is only opened for display when guests arrive?

Isn’t that completely missing the point?

The Uppeareast, Megaworld

Shared Spaces Reflect a City’s Character

Of course, with public spaces comes responsibility.

Maintenance matters. Rules matter. Respect matters.

If needed, policies can be enforced to protect these spaces—from misuse, from neglect, from abuse.

But what we have seen in places like The Upper East gives us hope.

When people value a space, they take care of it.

They dispose of their waste properly.
They respect the environment.
They use the space meaningfully.

They do not loiter without purpose—they gather with intention.

Because they feel that they belong.

And when people feel that sense of belonging, they protect what they have.

with my walking partner, Lei Lani Dusaban

The Walking City We Deserve

At the end of the day, this is not a complaint.

It is a vision.
A vision of what Bacolod can still become.

A vision of a city where walking spaces are no longer an afterthought—
but a clear and consistent priority.

A city where clean air is actively protected.
A city where waste is collected daily, keeping communities clean, safe, and livable.
A city where public safety is felt and visible in every street and corner.
A city where streets and parks are safe, well-lit, and welcoming for everyone.
A city where public spaces nurture a healthy, active, and hopeful community.

A city where walking is not just exercise—
but part of everyday life.

We are grateful for the efforts that have been started, and we recognize the vision behind initiatives such as bicycle lanes and esplanade riverside spaces. We hope to see these carried forward—sustained, expanded, and brought to completion or into their fullest and most effective use—not as temporary highlights, but as continuous, well-maintained, and accessible spaces that people can rely on every day. More than projects or plans, these should become safe, connected, and thoughtfully designed environments that encourage walking, support active lifestyles, and bring communities together—because in the end, they must truly serve the people.

Because a truly progressive city is not measured by its buildings alone—

But by the spaces where its people can walk, live, connect, and thrive.