Over 40 bikers joined the 2023 Bike Ride Parade: Padyak Para sa Kalikasan initiated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources CALABARZON in collaboration with the University of the Philippine Los Baños (UPLB) last December 17, 2023 in the vicinities of the UPLB in post-celebration of the National Bicycle Day. 

The said activity aims to promote the use of bicycles for a cleaner, greener and sustainable environment and its benefits for the cyclists’ health. “Itong bisikleta ibang-iba ito. Walang polusyon at maganda pa sa katawan kaya ina-advocate namin ang paggamit nito,” stressed by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Rizal, For. Ramil R. Limpiada.

UPLB Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Roberto P. Cerreno shared how their Campus envisions promoting a biking culture. He said “Ito po ay part ng aming advocacy – ibalik ang kultura ng pagbibisikleta sa Campus… By next year, we will introduce the very first ride sharing system in the Campus”. 

Cerreno mentioned that there will be 200 bikes and electric scooters which will be available for renting through an e-wallet. He added that by 2024, a biking clinic will be conducted on weekends. 

In his message, For. Venerando U. Garcia, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer of CENRO Sta. Cruz, Laguna, encouraged the consistent participation of the cyclists in DENR’s future endeavors. He said “Gagawin na natin itong annual event at sa susunod ay mas paghahandaan natin. Hinihikayat naming ang inyong patuloy pagpadyak at sana ay marealize ninyo ang malaking tulong nito sa ating kalusugan at sa ating kalikasan”. 

Meanwhile, the Chief of the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group, For. Judaline A. Fabro, reminded the participants of the “Four Is”. She addressed the cyclists and said “Kung ano man ang inyong natutunan dito, ito ay inyong isaisip, isabuhay, isagawa, at i-share”.

Various agencies participated in the event including the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Trace College, Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), UPLB Alumni, and other bikers’ organizations. It was also graced by the Director of the Institute of Renewable and Natural Resources, Dr. Marco A. Galang.