Over 600 bikers pedal for peace in Mindanao

MORE than 600 bikers pushed their way uphill in the first Bike for Peace event sponsored by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) outside of Metro Manila.

Participants from local government sectors along with other peace advocates, biking enthusiasts and media guests trekked the mountainous terrain starting from Cotabato City’s People Palace (city hall) to North Upi, Maguindanao last Sunday morning. The 36-kilometer ride signified what government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen described as “what seems improbable to accomplish, but definitely possible.”

Beyond the physical activity, Bike for Peace 2011 in Mindanao also mirrored the government’s goal in reaching a final peace agreement with the MILF, which has been going on for years now.

“Thirty-six kilometers is 36 kilometers, and for a route that’s going uphill – it’s not going to be a picnic,” said Leonen, who biked his way from start to finish. “Our message here is that even if this peace agreement with the MILF seems improbable, it’s definitely attainable. There are a lot of skeptics, but we’re trying to plan things right, do things right to have a final settlement.”

“To win the peace, we need to do negotiations, win it on the negotiating table. However, you can’t win the peace just on the table, you have to win it on the ground,” explained Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles. “Through this activity, we raise awareness among people on the ground. With so many bikers going up the mountain, people would ask ‘Why are they doing this?’”

“Bike for peace is usually held in Manila but to do it here in Mindanao, in a more difficult terrain helps energize the peace constituency,” added Deles. “We’re passing communities, and to come here and see so many people involved – ordinary people, non-negotiators who are coming out for peace immensely helps.”

Report from OPAPP