I walk to and from school every day and take jeepneys or tricycles to go home. Some streets do not have sidewalks at all. And if there are sidewalks, they are often too narrow, blocked by posts, or cars are parked there, so I have to walk on the road next to moving vehicles. Waiting for public transport is also hard. Most jeepney and tricycle stops do not have a shed or a bench, so we stand under the hot sun or in the rain, carrying heavy school bags. It is tiring and unsafe.

Sidewalks are for people, not cars. Public transport should have wide sidewalks and covered waiting areas with benches. These are not luxuries. They are basic needs for students and everyone who walks every day. The people yearn for streets we can walk safely and transport we can use safely. We ask local authorities to:

• ban parking on sidewalks,
• make sidewalks wider, and
• build proper waiting areas.

These changes will make getting to school and going home safer and easier for everyone.