LOOK: Valenzuela City gives glimpse of the new, more pedestrian-friendly Fatima Avenue
What was once a road filled with cars has been turned into a bike- and pedestrian-friendly open space. The Valenzuela City local government gave a sneak peek into the rehabilitated Fatima Avenue, where people can walk, jog, bike, and have a picnic.
The pedestrianization of the road began in 2021 as an attempt to "reconnect people to the vitality of their surroundings." Architect Gerard Lico helmed the project which gave the streets back to people.
The new Fatima Avenue features picnic tables, waiting sheds, stylish lamp posts, and a lot of greenery.
This stretch of road, which leads to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, will be totally closed off to vehicles and motorists.
“We have always believed that a family should not always be in malls. A family’s quality time should be spent in public open-air spaces where they can bond together,” outgoing Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian said in a video last year. Gatchalian will serve as the new representative of Valunzuela's First District starting June 30.