The village chief of Barangay Nazareth here has defended the Sangguniang Kabataan’s “rainbow” pedestrian lane amid criticisms.

Barangay Chairman Max Rodriguez the youth council’s project is in line with the barangay’s initiative to promote the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, and Queer (LGBTQ) community in their village.

The village, he said, respects diversity.

“The main purpose of the project is to provide diversity and give importance to our LGBT community and to let the world know that we care and acknowledge them,” he said.

The youth officials argued that the LGBTQ lane is located within a barangay road, not on a national road, which means it did not violate the road standards on pedestrian lane set by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The DPWH’s standard color for pedestrian lanes is in accordance with international standards and is based on studies focusing on visibility especially during night time.

However, Roads and Traffic Administration Chief Nonito Oclarit countered that even if the rainbow lane is not located on a national road, it must still comply with the national standards to prevent confusion or distraction among motorists.

City Councilor Lordan Suan said the City Council will determine whether laws were violated.

Still, Suan said the barangay can do what it wants on its roads, in the same way that the DPWH has the right over national highways.

A similar project by SK officials in Davao City in July also elicited reactions from the local traffic managers, who complained that they were not consulted about the rainbow lane. (PNA)