The city will be hosting a momentous event that blends history and sportsmanship with the upcoming conduct of the inaugural Victory Day Ride to be spearheaded by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) slated on September 3, 2023 where cycling enthusiasts and history aficionados will take the journey to honor the sacrifices of World War II veterans and raise awareness about the celebration of Victory Day.
PVB 1st vice president for marketing and communications Mike Villa-Real said that the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11216 in 2018 upon the authorship of Rep. Mark Go, marks September 3rd of each year as a special working holiday, commemorating Gen. Tomoyoki Yamashita’s surrender and Victory Day in the country.
He pointed out that this day in 1945 is clearly a significant historical event marking the success and along with it, the toil and sacrifices of the Filipino and American soldiers to liberate the country from the Japanese imperial forces.
However, the PVB official claimed that it is not as well-known as the Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor commemorated April 9 of each year.
Organized in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), the city government, Wartime Heritage Guild Philippines, Without Limits, and Salgado PR, the first Victory 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 cycling of all ages and backgrounds.
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 the city’s role in World War II.
Some 150 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 relieve 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 country.
Further, it seeks to increase awareness about the city’s role during the war and give due recognition to the countless Filipino and American soldiers who fought for the country’s liberation.
Villa-Real extended the invitation to cycling enthusiasts to join the ride on 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 II heritage sites.
The ride is open to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes and that participants may ride at their own pace, and will implement a no helmet, no ride policy to ensure the safety of the participants.
The Victory Day Bike Ride will start in front of the City Hall following a simple opening program before proceeding to a World War II marker in Camp Allen, then to a similar marker in front of the Cooyeesan Plaza before proceeding to Sabangan, Banangan, Sablan. The riders will then proceed to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the United States Ambassador’s Residence in Camp John Hay.