DAVAO CITY — A neophyte member of the City Council here said he will push for the realization for the “Pride Lane” ordinance despite receiving negative feedback.
Councilor Augusto Javier Campos, vice chairman of the committee on tourism and beautification, said in a media briefing Wednesday afternoon that despite the criticisms, he will still advocate for an ordinance that will legalize the painting of pride colors on selected pedestrian lanes.
But this early, the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) is questioning the legality saying traffic signs and signal conform with the standard of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
“I do intend to push through because I believe establishing the pride lane would be a statement that Davao City is a city that is progressive and inclusive to all individuals,” Campos explained.
On July 21, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community painted the pride colors on a pedestrian lane in Barangay Lapu-Lapu, Agdao District here, following the passage of a barangay resolution establishing “LGBT Pride Pedestrian Lane.”
The resolution was passed by the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Lapu-Lapu.
However, Dionesio Abude, chief of CTTMO questioned the painting of the pedestrian crossing, saying it needed approval by the DPWH.
DPWH-11 also called out the LGBT Pride Lane for supposedly violating the international standard colors of the pedestrian lane, which are yellow and white.
The pride lane also earned mixed reactions after it was posted on Facebook.
Campos said they are coordinating with the DPWH and local traffic authorities to find common ground on the issue, noting that international standards vary depending on the road classification.
During his privilege speech last week, Campos said he will also propose the painting of pride colors on the pedestrian lanes on other streets such as around the Agdao flyover covering a portion of streets of R. Castillo, Dacudao, Cabaguio, and Leon Garcia.
“Aside from showing our respect to the LGBTQ, the pride lane can be considered as a tourist spot for the city residents and visitors to enjoy,” he added.
On August 15, Campos said he will meet with the City Transport and Traffic Management Board (CTTMB) to discuss the matter.
“Rest assured that public safety is the highest priority,” he said. -PNA
