ANGELES CITY -- Businessman Rene Romero has cited the contribution of the recently-concluded Rain Forest Challenge (RFC) Global Series Philippines four-wheel drive race to the local economy and tourism.
Romero, who is also the event chairman of the RFC Global Series Philippines, said the event has given participants, including their families and friends, the opportunity to visit and see Pampanga, which became the venue of the race for two consecutive years.
“We were able to contribute to our tourism and economy because there were 236 cars that went to Clark Freeport on the first day alone. About 180 on the second day and about 120 on the third and fourth day,” Romero said.
The 4X4 off-road competition was held last August 24 to 27 in Mabalacat City and the towns of Porac, Floridablanca and Arayat.
Romero thanked Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Petron for sponsoring the four-day event.
“We are very happy that the recently-concluded RFC Championship in the Philippines was very successful. There was a big improvement compared to last year’s event,” Romero said.
Romero at the same time lauded the local government units for supporting the Philippine leg of the sports event.
“Our mayors, Cris Garbo of Mabalacat; Carling Dela Cruz of Porac; Darwin Manalansan of Floridablanca and most especially Mayor Bon Alejandrino of Arayat, the most supportive local government unit for the past two years,” Romero said.
Using his Toyota Land Cruiser, Randy Sobrepena of the Pampanga Off-Roaders Club Incorporated (Porci) emerged as winner among the 46 competitors, according to Romero.
Romero said Sobrepena, together with the other winners and the RFC Philippine team, will be sent to Malaysia in November this year for the RFC international competition.
“We want to send a Pinoy team of off-roaders to the Malaysia challenge, which is a gathering of international off-roaders,” Romero said.
The RFC Global Series Philippines and sports magazine had featured the race venues in Pampanga, according to him.
“This is one way of helping the government and the people marketing our place. We are promoting our province in terms of sports tourism. I am very happy that the organizing committee of RFC Philippines, headed by Robbie Consunji, selected our area as the venue for two straight years,” Romero said.