To mark Baguio City’s role in the end of World War 2 in the Pacific region, bike enthusiasts all over north Luzon are set to relive the journey of war veterans to commemorate Victory Day.
Set on September 3, close to 150 biking enthusiasts and history buffs will embark on a journey to honor the sacrifices of World War II veterans and raise awareness.
Mike Villa-Real, Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) first vice president for marketing and communications, said “the enactment of Republic Act 11216 in 2018, marks September 3rd of each year as a special working holiday, marking Yamashita’s surrender and Victory Day in the Philippines.”
Organized in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), city government of Baguio, Wartime Heritage Guild Philippines (WHG), Without Limits, and Salgado PR, this ride aims to foster a deeper understanding of the city’s significant role during World War II while encouraging active participation in the sport of cyclists of all ages and backgrounds.
“This day in 1945 is clearly a significant historical event marking the success and along with it, the toil and sacrifices, of the soldiers of both the United States and the Philippines,” he said.
However, it is not as well-known as the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) commemorated April 9 each year. Baguio City Rep. Mark Go was the principal author of R.A. 11216.
Inspired by the annual Ride for Valor that retraces the infamous Death March, the Victory Day Bike Ride takes a different route, focusing on the historical sites and landmarks associated with Baguio City’s role in World War II.
Cyclists and participants will embark on a 44.5-kilometer route that meanders through the city’s picturesque landscapes and historical spots, providing a unique opportunity to relive the past and honor the heroes who fought valiantly for freedom.
While the Ride for Valor primarily focuses on the Death March, the Victory Day Bike Ride aims to balance the narrative by shedding light on the broader scope of World War II history in the Philippines.
The Victory Day Bike Ride seeks to increase awareness about Baguio City’s role during the war and give due recognition to the countless Filipino and American soldiers who fought for the country’s liberation.
Organizers are welcoming sports and cycling enthusiasts to join the Ride for Victory Day, a bike-for-a-cause event that aims to raise funds for the maintenance of the country’s historical markers and other World War 2 heritage sites.
The ride is open to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes.
Villa-Real said participants may ride at their own pace, and will also implement a “No Helmet, No Ride” policy to ensure the safety of the participants.
Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.
The non-competitive bike ride will have five pitstops: Start at Baguio City Hall, first stop, Camp Allen; second stop, USAFIP-NL Marker; third stop, Sablan View Deck; fourth stop, Fort Del Pilar (Philippine Military Academy); fifth and final stop, US Embassy in Camp John Hay.
Christian David Alacar of Without Limits PH said as safety precaution for the bike ride, police and medical teams will also be fielded along the routes.
Interested individuals may register online at https://bit.ly/victorydayride-regform while groups may email rideforvalor@gmail.com until September 1. Participants will receive an official event shirt, a race bib and passport, a loot bag, post-ride meal, and commemorative medal.
For more information about the event, follow Victory Day Ride on Facebook. Roderick Osis
