BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – This southern city – the “Bike Capital of the Philippines” – is ready to host this year’s National Bike Day Awards and Recognition from Nov. 24 to 26.
Around 3,000 bike enthusiasts from around the country are expected to join the event.
Among the exciting activities in store are the Bike Expo, Bike Fashion Style Showcase, Vintage Bike Exhibit, Band Performance, Criterium Races, Active Mobility Forum, Bike Fashion Show, Food Festival, Night Ride-Food Crawl, Photo Contest, Band Performance, and Kiddie Fun Race.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the city government ensures the sustainability of its initiatives by collaborating with the private sector, including SM City Iloilo as one of the biggest sponsors and official site partners for the three-day event.
This city is also a two-time Gold Awardee for both the Mobility Awards and Bike Lane Awards.
Architect Wilfredo Sy Jr., event director, said the city is a bit ahead among the rest of the country in terms of infrastructure advocacy and bike-related programs.
“We have the prestige of hosting this event because it will be hosted outside of Metro Manila for the first time. Iloilo City will also serve as judge for other cities,” Sy said.
He added the said event could also boost the city’s economy, owing to the presence of micro-enterprises such as food stalls and local bike stores. It would also serve as a training ground for young athletes.
For their part, SM City Iloilo Assistant Mall Manager Darrel John Defensor said that SM City Iloilo fully supports the city government and the Department of Transportation for initiating the said event.
“SM is enthusiastic about this initiative… All main events will take place at SM City Iloilo; we will provide sound systems, stage, and all the necessary equipment to set up the event,” Defensor said.
The Iloilo City Police Office and Public Safety and Transportation Management Office, meanwhile, assured that security plan is already in place./PN
