Gov. Edduba proposes jogging lanes, tree-lined roads as Kalinga embraces fitness boom

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Governor James S. Edduba is pushing for the inclusion of dedicated jogging lanes and tree-lined roads in future infrastructure projects, saying the growing popularity of fun runs in Kalinga calls for safer, healthier, and greener public spaces.

Edduba unveiled the proposal during the Provincial Government of Kalinga's flag-raising ceremony on Monday, July 6, at the Kalinga Sports Complex, with implementation targeted to begin in 2027.

Fitness trend inspires infrastructure plan

During his message, Edduba said the increasing number of fun runs being held across the province reflects a positive shift toward healthier lifestyles among iKalingas.

He attributed the growing interest in running partly to the Provincial Government's continued promotion of trekking activities, which have encouraged more people to appreciate Kalinga's natural landscapes while becoming more physically active.

According to the governor, trekking and fun runs complement each other. As more residents and visitors discover Kalinga's mountains and scenic trails, many are also becoming inspired to exercise regularly, making health and environmental appreciation go hand in hand.

"You know why nga nagbalin nga kasla uso ditoyen Kalinga daytoy fun run? Ta agsasaruno metten. This is good actually, and I think this is born out karo daytoy panang-popromote tayo toy trekking tayo. So, makita da nga napintas ket napintas met para ti health tayo amin daytoy,” said Edduba.

Jogging lanes and tree planting

Recognizing the growing number of people who now walk, jog, and run for recreation and fitness, Edduba said future road projects should no longer be designed solely for motorists.

Instead, he envisions roads that provide safe spaces for walking, jogging, and other outdoor activities while incorporating trees that will provide shade and help preserve Kalinga's natural environment.

To turn that vision into reality, Edduba announced that the Provincial Government will allocate funds beginning next year to improve the stretch of road from the Rotunda to Kalinga Hotel in Bulanao, Tabuk City. The project will include dedicated jogging lanes and tree planting along the route.

“Hopefully, so ti ibagbagak kadagitoy engineering nga pati dagitoy design dagitoy kalsada tayo irugi tayon kadagitan kua agiprovide ti jogging lane kada dagita agmula ti kaykayo.

Starting next year ket I will provide a budget nga uray unaen tayo daytoy Rotunda inggana diay Kalinga Hotel. Paidisign tayo ken engineer Anna (Assistant Provincial Engr. Anna Andrada Bilowan) ta mulaan tayo amin ti kayo dayta,” Edduba revealed.

The governor also cited the planned widening of the road from the Provincial Capitol to the CARAA grounds, which already has a ₱20-million allocation. He said the project will likewise incorporate a dedicated jogging lane and tree planting.

“Santo, of course, irugi tayo ditoy ayan ti Capitol. Anyway, there’s funding for this, widening na daytoy capitol inggana diay CARAA, ada ti P20 million nga funding na dayta. Pawidineng tayo diay ada ti lane for jogging, and we will plant trees also,” he added.

Toward healthier and greener communities

Edduba said integrating jogging lanes into future road projects is intended to encourage more people to adopt active lifestyles while making public roads safer and more accessible for pedestrians and runners.

He also emphasized that planting trees alongside roads will not only provide shade for joggers and walkers but also enhance the province's natural landscape.

If realized, the initiative would create more inviting public spaces where families can safely walk, jog, and enjoy the outdoors, while giving visitors a greener and more welcoming impression of Kalinga.