BIKE RACE. Bike enthusiasts in Apayao province join a bike race on April 21, 2023. The Apayao Provincial Health Office spearheaded the event to promote road safety and a healthy lifestyle. (Photo courtesy of the Apayao Information Office)
LAOAG CITY – Local bikers aged 18 and above from the province of Apayao joined on Friday a 15-kilometer bike race to promote road safety and a healthy lifestyle.
Starting from the Apayao welcome arch within the provincial boundary of Apayao and Cagayan leading to the grandstand of the Apayao Eco-tourism and Sports Complex in Luna town, male and female bikers were all in safety gear as they competed in the search for Mr. and Miss Bikers Champ.
Health promotion officer Corazon Juan said the competition was part of their efforts to raise awareness about road safety as records of road crash accidents in the province have been increasing.
"We hope that by holding events like this, we can promote safe driving habits among the biking community. Bikers are more vulnerable on the road, and we want to make sure that they understand the importance of following traffic rules and regulations," she said in an interview.
After the grueling chase to the finish line, the Provincial Health Office awarded the top bikers who exemplified safe biking behaviors and healthy lifestyles.
For the male category, Ian Cariaga was hailed Mr. Biker Champ while Kyla Nicole Bayani was recognized as Miss Biker Champ for the female category. Both Cariaga and Bayani were residents of Luna town.
"It is a great honor for us, but what's more important is the message that we want to impart to fellow bikers. We must always prioritize our safety while on the road. This kind of activity is a good example to encourage the youth to be a part of the growing cycling community in the province," Cariaga said.
Bayani said, "Wearing proper protective gear, such as helmets, to prevent serious injuries in case of accidents is essential. We want to show that being fashionable while biking should not compromise our safety.”
Meanwhile, 53-year-old Montano Armas from Sta. Marcela town dominated the senior category with a wide margin from his senior rivals –Mario Ominga and Erwin Ballesteros from the towns of Pudtol and Luna, respectively.
For his part, provincial health officer Dr. Mark Calban, in an interview, lauded participants for their commitment to promoting road safety.
Calban said practicing road safety measures means a lot among road users.
"Aside from providing proper healthcare services, we want to encourage bikers to take road safety seriously. Events like this will raise awareness among them and encourage them to practice road safety measures," he said.
With the support of the cycling community and other stakeholders, such as the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and Land Transportation Office (LTO), the PHO hopes to create a safer road environment for everyone and plans to hold more similar events in the future.
The event is also in support of the “Padyak para sa Healthy Pilipinas" campaign of the Department of Health. (PNA)
