ILOILO City – This southern city has officially positioned herself as the “Bike Capital of the Philippines”.
Yesterday, the final day of the three-day Iloilo Bike Festival 2022, the city government through the Iloilo City MICE Center launched the city’s branding as “Bike Capital of the Philippines”.
“Today, we are officially the ‘Bike Capital of the Philippines’! It took many months to plan this event and before that, many years to build a bike lane that can be a source of pride for our people, our city, and the country,” declared Iloilo City MICE director Salvador Sarabia.
Sarabia believes that attached to this title are endless possibilities that can grow the city even more.
“With our bike lane and title as ‘Bike Capital of the Philippines’, we offer investors and organizers a glimpse of Iloilo’s vision. We can invite them not just to hold events here, not just invest here but be part of an exciting and sustainable future. We can invite them to be part of history-in-the-making just like what we are having right now,” Sarabia added.
The city’s “Bike Capital” title comes with a hash tag – #BikeKaNamanSaIloiloCity.
“You might say I am biased. Being a proud and true blooded Ilonggo, the truth is I am merely echoing what the world is saying. They are the ones who have accorded our bike lanes with awards,” according to Mayor Jerry Treñas in a message delivered by his nephew, former Iloilo City councilor Jay Treñas.
The city’s bike lane, called the Iloilo City Network, is a safe, scenic and eco-friendly bike path stretching 11 kilometers, the mayor stressed.
“The city government through the MICE Center has carefully planned the marketing campaign centered on Iloilo City Network with the objective of inviting people from all walks of life to come and experience Iloilo City,” Treñas said.
For her part, Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) chief operating officer Atty. Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, through TPB Marketing and Events Division acting head Eloisa Romero, emphasized: “Our shared endeavor to push for bike tourism directly responds to the very core of our tourist sentiments, longing for more outdoor activities in a way that also allows people to rediscover the iconic sites of the place and, in between stops or at the end of each ride, be able to experience and taste the gastronomic flavors unique to your communities.”
The launch of Iloilo as “Bike Capital of the Philippines” is likewise well aligned with TPB’s advocacy for responsible tourism as it helps bring down carbon footprints, Allones added.
TPB also commended Iloilo City’s support to its creative sector by tapping them to create murals that make the bike pathways a sight to behold.
“As we congratulate you for this feat, we reiterate our gratitude to you for your unceasing support and collaboration with the TPB. Iloilo City and the Iloilo Province remain to be strong partners of TPB in promoting and marketing your iconic heritage sites, pilgrim churches, culinary delights and crafts,” according to Allones.
Iloilo City’s Cong. Julienne Baronda, meantime, said the city’s “Bike Capital” title should help boost the local economy through tourism and other ventures that intersect with it.
“It should also inspire the Ilonggos to lead an active lifestyle and aid in the reduction of their carbon footprint. This promises healthier bodies and allows us to do our part in saving the planet,” she added.
The launching of the “Bike Capital of the Philippines” title was also graced by Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) president Jomari Layson and chairman Rito Carlos Peñas, Department of Tourism regional director Cristine Mansinares, Negros Occidental’s Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, officials of Iloilo City and representatives of various local government units in lloilo province./PN
