BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – As the 2023 National Bike Day Awards and Recognition wrapped up yesterday at the SM City Iloilo Southpoint, Mayor Jerry Treñas highlighted this southern city’s tag as the “Bike Capital of the Philippines.”
The city mayor boasted multi-awarded bike lanes and facilities that provide Ilonggos and other bike enthusiasts safe venues to cycle around the city.
“To all our participants, I hope you enjoyed the series of activities such as bike race, bike exhibits, active mobility forum and awarding ceremony. I encourage you to explore our city most especially our facilities designed to make bike lanes safe and enjoyable,” Treñas said during yesterday’s closing ceremony.
He added that this year’s National Bike Day activities recognized the role of the biking community and health advocates as the city continues to promote biking as a healthy mode of transportation and lifestyle.
The city mayor then thanked the partners and stakeholders for their contribution and hard work in the success of the three-day event.
The event aimed to boost the city’s tourism promotion, attract more tourists and advance economic opportunities for the Ilonggos.
It also served as an avenue to showcase active transport programs and initiatives that would inspire other local government units (LGUs) in the country to adopt the same policies.
For their part, SM City Iloilo manager, Engr. Gilbert Domingo, said that SM has been a consistent partner of the city government and other LGUs in reinforcing their unwavering commitment to conduct programs that promote social inclusion and environmental stewardship.
The winners in this year’s National Bike Day Awards and Recognition were the following:
Notable Public Official Category
* Atty. Michael Kristian Ablan
* Quezon City’s Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte
* Malabon City’s Councilor Nadja Mari Vicencio
Notable Commuter Cyclist Category
* Jaramia Amarnani
* Karen Crisostomo
* Justin De Dios
Notable Competitive Cyclist Category
* Novendane Rico Alejandro
* Jose Maria “Silak” Bellosillo
* John Kenneth Flores
Notable Leisure Cyclist Category
* Marlowe Apeles
* Valerie De Guzman
* Trasienne Estrada
Notable Storyteller Category
* Lester Babiera
* Janardan das Robles Ladyong
* Leandro Mangubat
Bicycle Friendly Philippines in Notable Advocacy Initiative Category
* Firefly Brigade
* Bike Wave Pedals for Friendship
Notable Bicycle-related MSME Initiative Category
* Bike Courier Program
* Brewho Brewha Coffee
Meanwhile, here are the winners for National Bike Day photo contest:
* Jayson Marquez (1st place)
* Richmond Chi (2nd place)
* Dominic Sales (3rd place and People’s Choice awardee)/PN
