The majority of Metro Manila residents support the 15-minute city model, according to a new study. Under this concept, people can easily reach work, school, and hospital within 15 minutes by walk or bicycle. According to a survey conducted among 420 people from the city, informal settlers, and outside the city, 82% said they want to get their daily needs within their community.
But 76% still leave their area because there are insufficient services around them. According to respondents, it is important for them to have nearby grocery stores, clinics, and schools. Many also cited barriers such as high food prices (92%), traffic (73%), and expensive hospital fees (70%). Other complaints include a lack of public transportation, poor roads for pedestrians and cyclists, and high prices of medicine and fares.
Almost 87% believe that a 15-minute city would improve their quality of life. According to them, it would lead to shorter commutes and more family time. But there are also challenges such as lack of infrastructure (71%), limited funding (72%), and dependence on private vehicles (59%). Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo suggested that there should be appropriate transportation, zoning, and local service plans to make the model more effective.
