MANILA — The inclement weather did not stop the grand launch of Move Manila: "Car-free Sundays by the Bay"  on Sunday morning.

The Manila LGU delayed the program due to the persistent rains but decided to push through with the launch as attendees trooped to Roxas Boulevard.

Despite the sky not clearing up, the community Zumba activity kicked off past 5:30 a.m.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna arrived shortly after, leading the grand launch of the "car-free" initiative.

READ: Manila LGU bringing back 'car-free Sundays' this month

The local executive and Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto joined the attendees in a short Zumba session.

Under the ‘Car-free Sundays by the Bay’ initiative, the stretch of Roxas Boulevard from Padre Burgos to Quirino Avenue will be closed to all vehicles from 5 to 9 a.m. every Sunday.

“Binabalik natin ang dating kinaugalian ng mga Manileño at mga Pilipino po na makapagehersisyo sa Roxas Boulevard. Alam naman po ninyo dito sa lungsod ng Maynila ang kalusugan ay isa sa mga top priorities,” Lacuna said.

After the launch, the local executive and other officials jogged under the rain along the closed portion of Roxas Boulevard.

Exercise enthusiasts and those looking to start their journey say the closure will help them achieve their goals while staying safe from vehicles.

“Importante sa amin nageexercise dito sa Roxas Boulevard kasi magiging ligtas kami sa aming pagjojogging. Medyo mababawasan yung polusyon kasi mababawasan yung sasakyan na dumadaan,” Perry Sunga said.

“Para wala pong maistorbo na ano na kapag nageexercise po para walang dumaan na kotse. Safe po na safe para umiwas po sa disgrasya,” Julita Cañada shared.

Lacuna thanked the attendees for braving the rain to support the event.

“Kahit umuulan. Nandirito parin ang ating kababayan. Ibig sabihin lang po talaga excited silang simulan na ang kanilang fitness journey,” she added.

Due to the weather, few joggers and cyclists enjoyed the car-free Roxas Boulevard.

Manila LGU hopes exercise enthusiasts will get a chance to experience ‘Car-free Sundays’ in the coming weeks.

The city’s traffic and parking bureau has laid out alternate routes for motorists, which include Taft Avenue and the service road.

They assured the public that traffic flow in the area will not be affected by the temporary closure of Roxas Boulevard every Sunday morning.