San Fernando LGU strengthens bike culture among employees

THE City Government of San Fernando on Friday, September 17, 2021, kicked off its observance of the 121st Philippine Civil Service Anniversary or Civil Service Month with a cycling caravan participated by its employees.

This activity was aimed at promoting and reinforcing the culture of using bicycles to Fernandino civil servants as a means of transportation and activity for health, fitness and recreation purposes.

“Kawaning Fernandino Padyak Para Sa Kalusugan,” as the City Human Resource Management Office (CHRMO) dubbed it, was the first-ever cycling event exclusively held for the City Government’s employees.

“Hangarin ng programang ito ang maitaguyod ang work-life balance at healthy lifestyle sa gitna ng pandemiya, sa pamamagitan ng aktibong pag-ehersisyo, katulad ng pagbibisikleta," said Dr. Rachelle Yusi, CHRM officer.

With the help of the City’s own Sports Club, Yusi added the caravan is set to become a regular program of the government and will be held once a month, like that of the Zumba Exercise that was put on hold due to safety concerns.

The first edition hosted more than 80 cyclists from several offices and departments. They were joined by acting Mayor Jimmy Lazatin and acting Vice Mayor BJ Lagman.

The cyclists cycled their way from the southern portion of the city, particularly at Heroes Hall in San Juan, going to SM City Telabastagan, one of the northernmost parts of the city by passing through McArthur Highway and newly built interconnectivity roads.

Meanwhile, apart from the aspect of physical health, the City is also focusing on the protection of mental health and instilling self-help and resilience among the employees.

It has lined up virtual activities such as the presentation of audio-visual bite-sized learning series and a mental wellness and stress debriefing session.

The “Natatanging Lingkod Bayani” and “Pasasalamat para sa mga Kawaning Fernandinong RumesBAKUNA” awarding rites will also be held in recognition of the employees’ support to the Covid-19 response programs of the government, including the vaccination drive.

“Bilang isang advocate ng pagbibisikleta, ako po ay natutuwa dahil nailunsad itong programang ito. Ang dalangin natin ay mas marami pang Fernandinos ang mahilig sa ganitong aktibidad dahil ito ay nakakatulong sa aspetong pinansyal, kalikasan, at siyempre, kalusugan,” said Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago.

As part of his health agenda, Santiago’s administration has spearheaded several activities relating to biking, including the annual city-wide “Padyak Para sa Kalusugan at Kalikasan” every February and the regular provision of free bicycle units and gears to select Fernandino beneficiaries. (PR)