ILOILO City – More than 260 cyclists and runners converged at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on June 13 as the National Adoption and Alternative Child Care Authority (NACC) Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) intensified its campaign to promote child welfare and alternative child care, emphasizing that protecting vulnerable children requires collective community action.
A total of 262 participants — composed of 130 bikers and 132 runners — joined the BISIGKLETA Bike Ride and Fun Run, transforming the wellness event into a region-wide advocacy drive aimed at raising awareness that every child deserves a safe, loving, and supportive family environment.
RACCO Region 6 head Janice Brasileño stressed that the initiative was about more than physical activity, highlighting the importance of public participation in advancing children’s welfare.
“Collective action is essential to ensure that no child is left behind. We must remember that a family is built not only on genetic ties but also on love, care, and a profound sense of belonging,” she added.
RACCO-6 Legal Officer Atty. Flora May Alejandro underscored the vital role of families in providing stability and support for children.
“A strong, supportive family is our ultimate anchor and source of strength, especially as we navigate life’s challenges,” she said.
Alejandro encouraged participants to bring the advocacy back to their respective communities and help cultivate a culture of inclusion, care, and support for vulnerable children and families.
The event drew support from government agencies, local government units, private organizations, and advocacy groups that share RACCO-6’s commitment to protecting children and strengthening families.
Among the key partners were the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VI, the Provincial Government of Iloilo, the Iloilo City Government, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office-Iloilo, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office-Iloilo City, Police Regional Office 6, and the Iloilo City Police Office.
Also supporting the activity were Globe, the Junior Social Worker’s Association of the Philippines–Iloilo Doctors’ College Chapter, the Philippine Information Agency-Western Visayas, and the Iloilo Bicycle Council.
RACCO-6 said the BISIGKLETA Bike Ride and Fun Run served not only as a health and wellness activity but also as a platform to strengthen community solidarity and deepen public awareness of child welfare concerns across Western Visayas.
The agency reiterated that sustained community involvement remains crucial in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a nurturing environment and pledged to continue pursuing initiatives that advance the welfare of children throughout the region./PN
