Provide a Facility for Youth Skaters in Cebu

A PETITION FOR THE PROVISION OF A FACILITY FOR YOUTH SKATERS IN CEBU

We, the youth into roller blades, skate boards, long boards and bicycles declare the following:

That the 1987 Philippine Constitution Sec. 3 of Art. II states that, The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.

That the youth are adventurous, creative, open-minded, curious, and explorative with their interests and such can open up to influences that may affect their future and their characters.

That the youth are facing serious problems as noted by a survey in 2012 done by UCAN Philippines to wit pre-marital sex effecting teenage pregnancy tops among the youth problems up to date added by the substance-abuse and misuse of the internet.

That the growing number of youth into the hobby or sports as the skate boarding and long boarding, roller blading, roller skating and bicycles show that the youth nowadays are going back to its dynamic yet fun way of expressing oneself through outdoor activities wherein they are not in isolation cultivating socialization versus individualization building amity through sports where they can meet their common interests therefore cultivating camaraderie, a milestone towards productivity and a diversion from the cited problems above.

That on February 20, 2014, the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) headed by Joy Tumulak, announced banning any person on roller blades or skateboards “upon any roadway except while crossing the street.” The same ordinance also prohibits any person riding upon bicycle, motor scooter, coaster, roller skates, or any toy vehicle to “attach the same or himself to any moving vehicle upon any roadway” in accordance to the City Ordinance 801 otherwise known as the City’s Traffic Code. In lieu with that, it is further explained that CITOM will not issue warnings to violators but will immediately confiscate skateboards and roller blades. Owners of the confiscated items will have to pay a fine of P500 and if the violator is a minor, the parent or guardian is to accompany the child when claiming the item.

Wherefore, the petitioners wish to put forward the following to the City Legislators:

1. An information drive for the youth shall be done in order to acquaint the youth on the City’s Traffic Code as the youth are part of the Citizens bound to the City Ordinance before enforcing any penalties or violations thereof.

2. That a consultation be done as a realization of the democratic process before any Ordinance is created or implemented.

3. That a facility shall be provided for the youth to engage into the sport or hobby like a park or lane for the youth to keep such activity (roller blades, skate boards and bicycles) ensuring their safety.

On this we stand,

UNITED SKATERS OF CEBU