Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager, General Nicolas D. Torre III today led a solo “Bike-to-Work” ride from Kamuning, Quezon City to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Bicutan, Taguig City, as part of his continuing advocacy to promote cycling as a practical and sustainable mode of transportation.
General Torre biked more than 23 kilometers in approximately one hour, calling the ride a simulation of a regular workday commute. He began earlier at the GMA Network Center, where broadcast journalist Howie Severino joined him for the first five kilometers up to EDSA Shrine for a separate documentary engagement. Torre then proceeded alone to DOST to demonstrate a realistic solo commute.
“This is an intelligent choice, and good for the health,” underscores Torre, emphasizing that biking integrates exercise into the daily grind without the need for gym memberships or added expenses.
Meanwhile, during his meeting with General Torre, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. highlighted various DOST initiatives supporting smart, sustainable, and technology-driven infrastructure for Metro Manila.
“Ang pagbisita ni Gen. Torre sa DOST ay nagbukas ng makabuluhang talakayan kung paano makatutulong ang aming tanggapan sa pagbuo at pagpapaunlad ng mga teknolohiya, serbisyo, at pag-aaral na naglalayong magbigay ng mga solusyon sa mga agarang suliranin sa pampublikong kaligtasan, traffic management, at waste management sa buong National Capital Region,” said Solidum.
(The visit of Gen. Torre to the DOST opened a meaningful discussion on how our office can help in the development and advancement of technologies, services, and research aimed at providing solutions to urgent problems in public safety, traffic management, and waste management throughout the National Capital Region).
The former PNP chief shared that as early as 2010, while living in Santo Domingo, Quezon City and assigned at Camp Bagong Diwa, in Taguig City, he regularly biked around 27 kilometers daily, Monday through Friday. He said the experience proved that cycling to work is both feasible and beneficial.
During the ride, Torre wore a protective mask and pointed to visible pollution collected in its filter, underscoring his environmental message. He said wider adoption of cycling could help reduce fossil fuel consumption and improve air quality.
General Torre also called on government offices to support cycling employees by providing basic facilities such as showers. “You have to take a bath, wash your face, and then go to work,” he said, noting that a one-hour ride provides an adrenaline boost and health benefits but requires proper workplace amenities.
He added that many supporters on social media have expressed interest in joining future rides, but he chose to travel alone for this activity to present an authentic bike-to-work experience.
Torre encouraged employees living within a 20-kilometer radius of DOST, including those from Pasig, Mandaluyong, Makati, and nearby areas, to consider biking as a viable commuting option.
“Bike to work is one of the ways you can choose as your means of transportation,” he concluded. “It’s very enjoyable. It’s very feasible. You can do it.”
Among the DOST officials who welcomed General Torre include DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.; Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon O. Sahagun; Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs Diana L. Ignacio; and Assistant Secretary for Development Cooperation Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr.
