Plight or Flight? Introspection to the Lived Experiences of Filipino Commuters and Pedestrians and Critical Analysis of the Walkability of Caloocan City

Abstract

Transportation in the Philippines has been developing, particularly in the cities in which new forms and modes of transportation are evident today. At the same time, several emerging transport problems contribute to the plight of Filipino commuters and pedestrians. This study aims to provide a critical analysis of the walkability of Caloocan City through a socio-ecological and conflict perspective and determine the impact of socioeconomic, demographic, and other factors on the experiences, perceptions, and behavior of Filipino commuters and pedestrians in the cities. Through body mapping techniques, interviews, and community observations, the researcher capitalized on the walking and commuting experiences that determine the condition of public transportation in the city today. Analysis of the responses demonstrated that most of the bodily experiences of commuters and pedestrians are associated with negative experiences (e.g. Pain, Tiredness, and Fear), which affects the perception and behavior of commuters and pedestrians towards transport in the country. In addition, the results show a dominant preference for private modes of transportation. The results indicate the failure of public transport to provide good services to public commuters and pedestrians. Although the government provides efforts to improve transport conditions in the country, there are still many factors (internal factors) that remain unconsidered in the planning and implementation of its programs and projects related to public transport, walkability, and community safety. This failure leads to the realization of the unrealized risk of inconvenience, the prevalence of conflict of space, and the normalization of the plight, wherein the less privileged endure while the more privileged commuters use their resources as a flighting tool away from the plight of transportation.