HIMAMAYLAN CITY -- The 6th Tour of the Fireflies assembled 1,098 bikers from various places in Negros Occidental who joined the cause to honor the valuable contribution of the Covid-19 frontliners.
Mayor Rogelio "Raymond" Tongson, Jr., Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao and members of the city council in collaboration with the Provincial Management Office (Pemo) and volunteer bikers succeeded in carrying the cause of the frontliners and likewise showcasing the city's direction in fighting Covid-19.
Mayor Tongson said, "this cause will help boost the morale of Himamaylanons and also an opportunity to highlight the Himamaylan Tayasan - Carabalan road. I am grateful to all bikers for participating amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. With the success of this event, I will be sending my letter of acceptance to Pemo that again, we will be hosting the 7th Tour of the Fireflies this coming November 2021. We are here to support the next Tour of the Fireflies."
He added, "what we did today shows the semblance of how Himamaylan is regardless of how severe the challenges are, we will never say No and never say die. This showcases the attitude of Himamaylanons that we have a concerted effort from everybody which brings that nothing is impossible and we are going to attain that highest possible mark that we can achieve for our city. This is because we are all stronger together."
To everybody present and witnessed the staging of the 6th Tour of the Fireflies amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, "I declare that I am a proud Himamaylanon and this is the City of Himamaylan."
Vice Mayor Gatuslao said, "If the cause is good, everybody cooperates. We have proven a point of solidarity with our frontliners. Solidarity is all about recognizing that we are brothers and sisters uniting for a common aspiration that aims to defeat this Covid-19 pandemic. We biked together. If we are one and united for a common goal, we are truly stronger together."
On the other hand, Olive Seruelo of Pemo extended her appreciation to the City of Himamaylan and its officials for hosting the TOR.
"We face many challenges in carrying out this endeavor along with my partners Jojo Ramos, Armand Denajeba, Alejandro Deoma, and Teray Robles of DENR for working hard just to ensure the success of this endeavor. We held three dry runs before the execution of the final tour," she said.
The City of Himamaylan has turned over five (Twitter) Mountain bikes for the five Covid-19 front liners to show gratitude for the hard work that they have performed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 6th TOR will also hold a raffle for all bikers which will be done online with two mountain bikes up for the grab and many prizes.
They thanked the bikers who participated in the beginners and endurance categories for taking part to bring in the success of the event.