Angeles City - The National Nutrition Council Region III hosted a cycling activity with the theme “Padyak Para kay Baby at Nanay” on 22nd of February, 2014. This was successfully conducted in collaboration with the Media Group of Pampanga headed by Mr. Alberto Santiago, Executive Director of DWRW 95.1 FM who was represented by Mr. Marvyne C. Gepte, Disk Jock of the same station. The chosen theme conveys to the participants, the bystanders and watchers the exertion and determination required to influence all mothers to practice the Nutritional Guideline for Filipinos (NGF) Message Number 2 which says “Breastfeed infants exclusively from birth up to 6 months then give appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond for optimum growth and development”.
A total of 130 bikers who came from various organized group of bikers from Angeles City and City of San Fernando convened and registered between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM in front of the Rafael Lazatin Medical Memorial Hospital, Angeles City. The activity was started with short Opening Program with the prayer led by AA VI Raisa Leona S. Tan followed by the Welcome Remarks given by the Hospital Administrator Ms. Erlinda Diaz. In his short message, Councilor on Health Alex Indiongko of Angeles City extended his full support to the different programs in relation to nutrition. Nutrition Program Coordinator of Region III Florinda V. Panlilio reiterated the activity objective and challenged the group on their role in promoting the NGF message number 2. Nutrition Officer III Angelita M. Pasos concluded the program with her words of thanks for all the people who helped NNC to realize this endeavour and recognition of everybody’s efforts.
Immediately after the Opening Program, the cycling activity has kicked off with the group coloring the streets with pink as they wore the official shirts with both theme and message printed on it. They moved towards the stretch of Angeles City via Friendship Highway until they reached Holy Angel Village to spend few minutes for photo opportunities, rest and refreshment. It was at this area where a turnover between the Traffic Management Group of Angeles City and the Traffic Management Group of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga took place to ensure safety and security among the bikers and the travellers as well. Around 50 additional bikers started joining the team from this point creating a longer parade of pink shirts with big prints of NGF message no. 2.
The bikers continued pedalling in the roads of Mc Arthur until they reached the Heroes Hall grounds, City of San Fernando, Pampanga as the finish line at around past 7:00 in the morning. Nutritious snacks and refreshments were given to the participants. The activity’s key message was clear – among bikers young and old alike – “We bike the talk”.
Finally, NPC Panlilio of NNC Region III extended her sincerest gratitude to the Medical Team of the Regional Health Office for Central Luzon and Jose B. Lingad Memorial Hospital for the provision of timely and appropriate medical intervention to one (1) injured participant charged against the Health Emergency Management Program of the Department of Health.
The 40 kilometer-ride for almost 2 hours was filled with fun and learning both for the bikers and the organizers.
