Piagapo holds 1st Biking Challenge to promote peace

PIAGAPO, Lanao del Sur, May 2 (PIA) -- In order to show that Piagapo is a safe and peaceful town, a 35-kilometer biking challenge dubbed “Biking for a Peaceful Piagapo” was held last April 29 here, spearheaded by the municipal government in partnership with the 64th Infantry Batallion, Philippine Army. 

Fifty-five bikers coming from the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Marawi, as well as from the municipality of Balo-i in Lanao del Norte province took part in the first-ever biking challenge held here. 

The bikers were given a unique opportunity to race through concrete roads starting from the 64IB headquarters in Saguiaran town towards some rough trails in Piagapo, going out of the town via Mindanao State University in Marawi City, and heading back again to the Piagapo Municipal Hall for the finish line. 

Amroussi Macatanong, current Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President, said the biking race was conducted to promote peace and development, not only of the town but also of the entire province. 

"We want to change the bad image of Piagapo. We are accused as the haven of criminals and other bad elements. Through this activity, we want to show that most of the accuses are not true and the bikers can attest to that," he added. 

James Rey Dimlo, winner for the yellow category (for ages 30 years and below), expressed agreement to the statement of the ABC President. 

“The road is peaceful and the residents showed their support in this," said the 29-year old biker who finished the race within one hour, 33 minutes, and 18 seconds. 

Other top winners were Steve Cadis for the blue category (age 31 to 40 years) with a total time of one hour, 40 minutes, and 56 seconds; and Alberto Alfeche for the red category (age 41 years and above) with one hour, 45 minutes, and 59 seconds. 

The top three winners belong to the Iligan Mountain Bikers Club. 

“This challenge is unusual to those that I have participated in before since the terrain here is more challenging. We will join again in future biking challenge in this area," Alfeche said. 

Macatanong promised that the next race will involve longer and challenging race tracks to make it more memorable and enjoyable to those who will be joining.