Ruby Rose “Besie” Rustia, president of the Global Linkages for the Filipino Youth Inc. (GLFYI), described as “highly successful” the fun ride graced by Mayor Edward Hagedorn, Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid and his son Mark Lapid, general manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).
The GLFYI and the Puerto Princesa Mountain Biking Society (PPMBA) led by Judge Jose Bayani Usman organized the fun run to help save the dwindling Batac tribe numbering to only about 300 today.
Usman said they had observed the sad plight of the Batac when they visit them during their regular biking activity as a group.
“They have lesser chance to survive due to poor health conditions and diminishing areas where they get their food ,” said Usman.
“We want to help them in any we can before it’s too late,” he added.
The organizers will give portions of the earning to the Batac tribe. They will give more water pumps and help the children get the proper vaccinations.
Usman and Dennis Rustia, also of the PPMBA, also planted hundreds of trees at the watershed here.
“Next year, we make sure the trees we planted will grow,” said Usman as he and Rustia vowed to make a “bigger” fun ride next year.
Dr. Thomas Guest, an American professor at the University of Guam, said he will bring his fellow bikers in the next Palawan Fun Run.
“I was impressed. It’s pretty good for a first time event,” said Guest, who was not able to join fun ride due to leg injury.
Rustia of Guagua, Pampanga said she will invite “more bikers” from Central Luzon next year.
Organizers thanked their major sponsors, including the Department of Tourism, PTA, Zest Air and Turrisimo Garden Hotel here and the Pampanga-based Creative Travel and Tours.
