Baguio: The City Health Services Office (CHSO) is ramping up its health campaign through 'sensory walk' where residents are asked to focus on what they see, smell and feel as they navigate the city's pathways through walking.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative, Project ManEkJad, combines the Ibaloi words 'Manekad' (to walk) and 'Mansekjad' (to bike) and is part of the Department of Health's 'active mobility' program. This program encourages walking and biking not just as a form of exercise but as a sensory experience that can help prevent top causes of mortality such as vascular diseases, cancer, and heart problems.
In 2024, CHSO recorded 464 deaths due to vascular disease, 323 cases of cancer-related deaths, and 218 deaths from heart disease, city information officer John Karl Pagada said in an interview. Pagada emphasized that lifestyle changes, including walking at least 7,000 steps a day, can reduce these risks significantly.
Beyond health benefits, Pagada said walking allows people to slow down from stress and appreciate Baguio's cool climate, scenery, and vibrant street life. To make walking and biking in the city safer and more enjoyable, the CHSO launched the 'sensory walkathon' on Sunday.
At least 500 joined the activity, exceeding the 300 initial registrants. "During the activity, we required participants to observe where they were walking and take photos. We will collate the observations and submit the same to the city council where there are pending proposed ordinances on micro mobility and uniformed walking," he explained. Their observations could help the city improve walkways, identify hazards, and make walking a more accessible part of daily life, he added. Plans also include installing informational signages showing how many calories are burned from walking certain distances.
He said another 'Sensory Walk' activity is scheduled in November as organizers hope to build a strong, ongoing community of walkers. Some senior citizens joined the activity.
For 63-year-old Romy Gonzales, walking began as a pandemic routine encouraged by health reminders. It has since become his routine. His usual route takes him from Military Cut-Off, along South Drive's pine-lined walkway, out to Pacdal Circle, then down Leonard Wood Road before looping home to Marcoville.
Another elderly resident, artist and photographer Art Tibaldo, 63, turned to daily walks after a stroke in 2023. Without a fixed route, he wanders wherever his curiosity leads, capturing snapshots along the way for social media. Walking, he said, doesn't just strengthen his body. It sharpens his eyes and reconnects him with the city he loves.
With the CHSO's efforts gaining traction, the hope is for more residents to lace up, step out, tune in, and let Baguio reveal its beauty through the senses, one walk at a time.
