Pangasinan bikers to stage ‘Padyak para sa Kapayaan’

By Venus May Sarmiento / Philippine Information Agency

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Some 50 biking enthusiasts from various parts of the region will pedal their way to promoting peace in the country by joining the nationwide ‘Bike for Peace and Justice’ on July 17.

In Pangasinan, the Metro-Dagupan Cycling Cub, Inc. (MDCCI) has identified the ‘I love Pangasinan’ baywalk in Lingayen town as the venue of the biking event dubbed ‘Padyak R1 para sa Kapayapaan’.

Roy Velasquez, a representative of the MDCCI, said the activity will be the bikers’ way of creating awareness for lasting peace and condemning the use of anti-personal landmines and other violation of the Anti-Humanitarian Law.

“This is our way of calling for local peace engagements and is a show of support to the government in the attainment of a peaceful and insurgency-free Philippines,” Velasquez said.

He added that his group will also sign a manifesto to call for justice for all victims of communist-terrorist groups in the country, most especially the killing of college and national football player Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven.

Bikers, youth and other civic organizations will mark the 40th day of the passing of the cousins.

Absalon, 21, was cycling with a group that included 40-year old Nolven when an anti-personnel mine exploded by the roadside in Masbate City on June 6.

Nolven also died while his 16-year old son sustained injuries.

Part of the activity on Saturday is a candle lighting ceremony. (JCR/VHS, PIA Pangasinan)