BUENAVISTA, Guimaras – The island province of Guimaras is gradually transitioning to the “new normal”.
Among others, it is embarking on events that can attract tourists back to the island, according to Liberty Ferrer, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Tourism Office.
The provincial government recently partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6, the Guimaras Xtreme Riders and 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist Lea Denise Belgira for a biking event.
“We are very glad that after eight long months (of lockdown), this is our first sports event, and initiated by our young athletes. We are now transitioning to the new normal,” Ferrer said.
A total of 136 cyclists participated in the “Bike Fun Race” on Nov. 22 at the San Fernando Bike Park in Barangay San Fernando, Buenavista.
The race had 17 categories. Bike enthusiasts from neighboring Iloilo province also participated.
The activity was timely because Guimaras was aiming to become the “Bike Paradise of the Philippines”, according to Ferrer.
Ferrer reminded the public that while the island province is opening its doors to travellers and tourists, it is everyone’s responsibility to observe minimum health standards and create a safe environment for all.
Guimaras seeks to revive its tourism industry that suffered a major blow from the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
For her part, Belgira – who made history by delivering the first gold medal for the Philippines in the 30th SEA Games – encouraged cycling enthusiasts who attended the event to balance their time for the sport and their studies.
“Bisan hilig niyo ang bike, dapat kabalo kamo mag-balance sang time sa inyo pag-eskwela kag sa sport,” Belgira said./PN
