ILOILO City — This city is transforming its annual Bike Festival into a month-long mobility celebration this June, with city officials pushing a broader campaign for sustainable transport through a major ₱74-million active mobility infrastructure project.
The 12th Iloilo Bike Festival, which runs from June 3 to 30, will feature expanded activities promoting cycling, electric vehicles, environmental sustainability, and alternative transportation as the city intensifies efforts to position itself as one of the country’s leading bike-friendly urban centers.
The festival, centered at Iloilo Business Park with Megaworld Group as a major partner, will coincide with the city’s newly launched active mobility project funded by the Department of Transportation under the administration of Mayor Raisa Treñas.
During the launch, Leny Ledesma, executive assistant for special projects, said this year’s celebration goes beyond recreation and seeks to reinforce Iloilo City’s long-term urban mobility goals under its 2028 roadmap.
“We want to celebrate cycling culture while promoting sustainability and helping develop the infrastructure needed under Iloilo City’s 2028 mobility roadmap,” Ledesma said.
This year’s festival carries the theme “FLOW CITY: Iloilo Always on the Move!” highlighting the city’s vision of becoming a more breathable, livable, and people-centered urban center that prioritizes multiple forms of mobility.
City officials said the celebration comes amid rising fuel prices and continuing global supply disruptions that have increased transportation costs, making cycling and alternative transport systems more important.
The month-long festival also aims to strengthen environmental advocacy through reduced carbon emissions, lower fossil fuel dependence, and climate change mitigation efforts.
For the first time, the event will expand into a Mobility Festival featuring broader sustainable transport innovations.
Among the major highlights is the first-ever Electric Vehicle Car Show from June 24 to 27 at the Iloilo Business Park parking grounds, where the public will be introduced to non-fuel transportation technologies.
The city’s ₱74-million active mobility project includes end-of-trip cycling facilities, urban shading structures, and upgraded public transport stops at major areas such as the Esplanade 3 Skate Park and Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
Bike Festival co-director Jay Treñas said this year’s lineup includes activities for cyclists, fitness enthusiasts, and the general public.
The festival opens on June 3 with an Active Mobility Conference at District 21 Hotel Annex 3 and a citywide Mobility Count.
The formal opening ceremonies on June 5 will coincide with Bike to Work Day at Park Square in Iloilo Business Park.
Other activities include the Bike Food Crawl from June 5 to 30 featuring participating restaurants across the city.
Competitive events lined up include the Mega Criterium Race on June 13 and 14, the Push Bike Race on June 20, and the Iloilo Duathlon on June 21 and 22.
The closing weekend will feature a Grand Fun Ride, Battle of the Bands, and awarding ceremonies.
Recognized as a Galing Pook Awardee for its biking initiatives, Iloilo City continues to strengthen its reputation as a national model for cycling-friendly urban development.
Ledesma said the festival also seeks to educate participants on road safety, bike maintenance, and best cycling practices through workshops and public engagement activities.
“We want to foster a stronger sense of community and camaraderie among cyclists and non-cyclists alike while encouraging sustainable and inclusive mobility for everyone,” she said./PN
