The Bike for Hope, spearheaded by Sen. Pia Cayetano, is an advocacy ride for health and environment which was organized by the lady senator in memory of her late father, Compañero Rene L. Cayetano, according to Neilwin Joseph Bravo, spokesperson of Davao del Norte provincial sports coordinator Anthony del Rosario.
"This event is an advocacy for health, clean environment and ‘Pinay In Action’ that is encouraging women in sports," Bravo told sports journalists during the weekly Davao Sportswriters Association Forum Thursday.
The fun ride, which starts in Barangay Ma-a in this city and ends at the provincial capitol of Davao del Norte in Tagum City, covers a total of 100 kilometers passing Panabo City and the towns of Sto. Tomas, Kapalong and Assuncion.
With the support of Del Rosario, his father Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Vice Mayor Sara Duterte, Bravo said they will try to break or equal the record of 900 participants, the biggest so far of the event, which was established in Cebu in 2006.
"We expect biking enthusiasts from Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and of course from Davao City and Davao del Norte to join the event," said Bravo.
Days before the event, seminars on various topics, including clean environment, breastfeeding, violence against women and children and the “Pinay In Action” running and fitness clinic for public high school students will be conducted in several local government units where the fun ride will pass by.
Other activities include seminars on Hepatitis-B vaccination for barangay health workers by Sanofi and public awareness against fake drugs by the Samahan Laban sa Pekeng Gamot, the official website of the Comapañero Rene Cayetano Foundation (www.cayetanofoundation.com) revealed.
The staff of the lady senator will arrive on Sunday to finalize the registration procedures, according to Bravo. Registration fee is pegged at P350, inclusive of a jersey, free lunch and the "privilege to join the Bike for Hope."
A "surprise award" awaits the participants of the event backed by Nestle, Phzer, Shell, Coca-Cola Philippines and Sanofi Pasteur. (Rico Biliran / MindaNews)