Over 500 enthusiasts bike for peace in Davao

DAVAO CITY--Over 500 bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts joined the Ride for Peace caravan on Sunday aimed at showcasing the Paquibato district as a safe area.

The bikers and motorists travelled from Panabo City to Malagos using the Paquibato road. The area is known as a hotbed of insurgency in this city.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday said the event is an eye-opener for investors and tourists that the road connectivity in Paquibato District is open to everybody. It was also an opportunity for the Paquibato residents to progress after years of lagging behind in terms of socio-economic development, she added.

“This is a way to show to everybody that Paquibato is now ready for tourists and investors now that we have good road connectivity,” the mayor said.

The mayor thanked the Army's 1003rd Infantry Brigade for highlighting the challenges in Paquibato District, yet an area of so many opportunities.

Col. Ernesto Torres,  commander of the 1003rd IB, also thanked all the participants who showed trust and confidence to the military and the city government that they can have a safe ride to Paquibato area.

“Because of what we have done we are able to send a message to the public that Paquibato District area is already ready for peace and development,” Torres said.

He said the Ride for Peace was a historic event as it is the first time that hundreds of people including military officials biked through Paquibato area, showing confidence that the area is safe for the public.

The event followed the launching of the Peace 911 in Paquibato District that laid down socio-economic program and projects to address poverty in the area.

The Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA) XI recently held a Serbisyo Caravan in the area.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XI Director Maria Lourdes Lim announced that over P3 billion worth of infrastructure projects are allocated in Paquibato District. (Funny Pearl Gajunera/PNA)