BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Over 1,200 bikers joined the Tibay at Husay Bike Fest 2022 organized by supporters of presidential candidate, Vice-Pres. Leni Robredo at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, yesterday.
Laban Leni Negros Occidental spokesperson, Atty. Pinky Ocampo said the event was “very successful and we were overwhelmed by the sheer number of walk-ins.”
Ocampo said that initially they already had over 800 early registrants but hundreds more signed up yesterday.
The bikers 24-kilometerroute took-off from Panaad at 7:00 AM going through Brgy. Handumanan, Brgy. Cabug, Brgy. Abuanan, Sum-ag, then to Alijis road and back to Panaad.
Grand winner of a new bicycle was 18-year-old John Rey Pendoy of Bago City. John Rey woke up at 3am to bike from his residence all the way to Panaad despite sleeping late the past few nights because of his exams.
In his Facebook post, John Rey thanked the organizers as well as some of his friends who contributed P100 for his bus fare going home since he now has to bring two bikes home. Upon winning the major prize, he called his aunt who told him he was deserving of a new bike because he is truly a good boy. His aunt was the one who gave him his old bike.
Rodel Henares Concha, one of the organizers said he had “goosebumps,” noting there were just so many bikers for Leni, who came in as individuals, group of friends, and families – young and old.
“It was very heartwarming to see that many in our city and province are for Leni Robredo.”
Concha added that while there is much work to be done, “we remain hopeful that many can see the goodness in VP Leni and why she merits to be our next president.”
Arian Alagao, another of the organizers of the event, said that Robredo’s platform for renewable energy was the main reason theyjoined the event.
Alagao said, “We believe Leni Robredo is one of the presidential candidates that push for genuine green energy here in the Philippines.”
Negros Occidental hosts a large community of environmentalists, who are known for blocking coal power plants and pushing for renewable energy in the province.
Alagao believes that volunteers need to reach out to more communities. She adds that the event is one of the ways that they are teaching out to communities like the biking community.
Aside from the bike run, Ocampo, in her issued statement, said there was a session also on Zumba for enthusiasts while the bikers were treated to Leni Lugaw upon their return.*
