ANGELES CITY -- Local officials led by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan on Sunday, June 24, expressed support to the fund-raising initiated by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde, who led motorcycle riders from Manila to this city.
Pamintuan, together with Vice Mayor Bryan Nepomuceno and other city officials, welcomed Albayalde and other riders during a ceremony at the Salakot Area in Barangay Balibago on Sunday morning.
"We love children but we care more on children afflicted with cancer. Let us support our Kabalen, Chief PNP General Oscar Albayalde raise money for children suffering from cancer at the PHilippine General Hospital," Pamintuan said.
Pamintuan was accompanied by members of the Filipino Chinese Federation who also donated funds for the benefit of the pediatric patients at PGH.
About 300 motorcycle enthusiasts, including Albayalde, participated in a fund-raising event for children who have cancer held Sunday from Camp Crame in Quezon City to Luneta Park in Manila.
The “Chief Oca Rides Against Cancer” advocacy drive earned a total of P1.3 million which will be donated to the children with cancer at the PGH.
“Together, we will build the future of our nation, every donation made by a rider, every cent of your money goes directly to a child suffering from cancer,” Albayalde said.
The ride started around 6 a.m. at Camp Crame to Clark and ended at Luneta pass 11 a.m.
Aside from the P3,000-registration fee, Albayalde said each participant could also donate money for the benefit of the cancer patients.
Albayalde said other invividuals donated money even without participating in the ride, he added.
The management of PGH expressed gratitude to Albayalde and the PNP in conducting the advocacy drive and in support of the medication of children with cancer.
Albayalde, a native of Angeles City, is a motorcycle enthusiast.
When he was still the regional director of the National Capital Region Police Office, he often used his big bike to roam around Metro Manila and conduct surprise inspections among his men on the ground.