Drumming up the concern for clean air, close to 200 biking enthusiasts rode around La Trinidad, Benguet on weekend.
The bikers started from the municipal grounds and went towards Bell Church at the city limit then rode through Km. 5 swerving towards the Pico-Puguis Road.
The riders proceeded to Poblacion exiting to Km. 6 towards Barangay Cruz and pedaled to Tawang and back to the municipal grounds.
Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Arthur Pedro said the free event was in partnership with the Environment Management Bureau-Cordillera in observance of Philippine Clean Air Month and the National Environmental Awareness Month.
“The goal of the activity is to increase the level of awareness among our community towards beating air pollution and to promote an eco-friendly mode of transportation through biking,” Pedro said.
Special awards were given to the participants including tokens and certificates.
Pedro said the number of bikers in the municipality has increased over the past years, especially during the pandemic, when public transport and mobility has been restricted.
Meanwhile, the Menro has been improving the Puguis communal forest with the setting up of benches and rest area for the community.
Since its opening early this year, the area has been visited by residents who go there for forest bathing and biking.
The 48-hectare Puguis communal forest was recently reclaimed by the municipality from adverse claimants for years. Visitors are required to log in when visiting the forest with the supervision of bantay gubat rangers.
For big groups, they are required to coordinate with the Menro for permits prior to conducting any activities inside the forest.
The forest is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday. – Ofelia C. Empian
