SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday called for stronger government efforts to safeguard children on Philippine roads, following alarming UNICEF reports that Filipino children are dying daily due to road-related incidents.

In a statement, Gatchalian stressed that children’s safety and future must be central to the country’s road safety agenda.

He urged the government to prioritize child-friendly infrastructure and strictly enforce existing road safety laws.

“Our schools and communities must treat road safety education as a priority, as children are among the most vulnerable to road dangers,” the senator said.

Gatchalian warned against normalizing child fatalities on the road, calling each loss a preventable tragedy.

“Bawat batang namamatay sa lansangan ay isang pagkabigong hindi dapat mangyari. Huwag nating hayaang maging pangkaraniwan ito,” he emphasized.

The senator’s appeal comes amid growing concern over traffic safety in densely populated urban areas and school zones, where children often crossroads and are exposed to high-risk conditions.

Gatchalian has long advocated for child welfare policies and legislation focused on education, health, and protection.

He now calls on both national and local governments to integrate road safety into their development agendas and ensure that children can move safely within their communities.