The City Health Office (CHO) here, in partnership with the Department of Health in Zamboanga (DOH-9), initiated the “Mr. and Ms. Bikers Champ 2025,” an event that promotes road safety awareness, youth engagement and healthy living through cycling.
The event, held at a local mall, brought together seven teams composed of male and female cycling enthusiasts, each competing not just in physical presence but in their ability to deliver health and safety messages. Through various segments such as picture interpretation, question-and-answer portions and on-stage presentations, participants became advocates of safer roads and more active communities.
The initiative comes amid increasing road incidents involving motorcycles and bicycles in Zamboanga City. The Bikers Champ event was crafted to be more than a contest; it was a platform for health education, safety promotion and behavioral change.
Team Uno emerged as champion, winning a cash prize of 10,000 pesos, followed by Team Xcited (1st Runner-Up), Team Mariano (2nd Runner-Up), Team Duo (3rd Runner-Up) and Team Signature (4th Runner-Up). Special awards included the People’s Choice Award for Team Uno and Best Video Presentation for Team Mariano.
Dr. Rolando Bucoy of DOH-9 praised the CHO and city government for using creative means to deliver health and safety education. “This initiative reflects the spirit of our advocacy on violence and injury prevention. Cycling is more than a sport; it’s a tool for health, safety and community building,” he said.
The program encouraged youth to continue biking not just for competition but as a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, cleaner environment and a safer Zamboanga.
Also present were SK Federation National President Carol Julianne “CJ” Dalipe, CHO Health Education and Promotion Officer Dr. Shirisa Alawi, and representatives from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine National Police, Land Transportation Office and other partner agencies. (EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City/With reports from ZC PIO)
