Bikers plant mangroves along Iloilo Esplanade

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Some 200 bikers from different groups troop to Iloilo Esplanade 2 to join in the mangrove planting activity on Saturday, May 30.

In advocating for environmentally-friendly city, Iloilo Cycling Youth Club (ICyc) spearheaded the event dubbed as "Ride of the Planting Bikers" which was supported by DENR-Region 6, DPWH, bike clubs and enthusiasts, environmentalists and others.

Photo Credits: ICyC, Atmos.ph, DonPaco Dral De Leon, Eric Barbosa Jr

Time Magazine's Hero of the Environment awardee Dr. Jurgenne Primavera of the Zoological Society of London joined the event and gave a briefing to volunteer bikers about the importance of mangroves in the environment.

More than 1,000 seedlings of bungalon (scientific name Avicennia marina) prepared by DENR were planted along the Esplanade 2 part of the Iloilo River. The group also vowed to monitor and see to it that the saplings grow to become mangrove trees.

Iloilo City Government commended the Iloilo Cycling Youth Club, Bike Groups, DENR, DPWH and all stakeholders for being “green guardians and heroes of nature.”

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog lauded the bikers, especially the youths who joined the event.

"It is very pleasing to see our youth planting and preparing the environment for the next generations. It is very heartwarming that the young generation nurtures and cares for a greener community for a vibrant tomorrow. It is very noteworthy that our bikers do not only pedal for health and safety but also for environmentally-conscious and eco-friendly best practices for continued progress and sustainable development," Mabilog posted in Facebook.

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