HIMAMAYLAN City, the awakened dragon in the south, has expanded its horizon after the success of the 6th Tour of the Fireflies by launching the 1st Tour of Negros Endurance and Unity competition at SM North Wing Wednesday, March 24.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson led the launching with Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Himamaylan Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao and Mall Manager George Jardiolin joining them.
This 1st Tour of Negros is open for professional bikers only, as this will entail endurance ride -- pedaling the routes from Himamaylan City to Hinobaan via Candoni Road, Hinobaan to La Castellana, La Castellana to Don Salvador Benedicto and Don Salvador Benedicto back to Himamaylan City.
As the Covid-19 pandemic remains a health risk, Lacson appealed to the organizers to strictly follow health protocol.
"We are taking a risk in holding this but we have to prove to the Covid-19 Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (AITF) that we can hold this competition but at the same time follow health protocols. I call on the organizers to make it clear to the participants that on the day of the competition, and if you are not feeling well, then don't participate so that we can avoid the possible spread of the virus. We can prove to the AITF and others that we can still enjoy the competition but we strictly follow health protocols," Lacson said.
Mayor Raymund Tongson stands proud to launch the 1st Tour of Negros, which was inspired by the continued success of the yearly Tour of the Fireflies.
He said the 1st Tour of the Fireflies began in Bacolod City up to Himamaylan City with 4,300 bikers participating in the said sport event.
Listening to the message of the governor in relation to the compliance of the health protocols, Tongson assured the governor that his appeal will be observed.
"I am proud to attain the go signal and full support of Governor Bong on this expanded biking event, which will highlight the biker's endurance to hurdle the race and at the same time spread unity among the biking community. I urged everyone to continue to pray for Himamaylan City and also the Province of Negros Occidental," he said.
During the launch, the event unravels festivity with the performances of the Himamaylan Street Dance Club and Himaya Dance Troupe.
Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said biking is currently the trend for both the young and adult. This is a form of outdoor workout that has physical and mental benefits.
"When you do biking, it promotes camaraderie and discipline. I commend the City of Himamaylan and Governor Lacson for hosting this 1st Tour of Negros," he said.