BACOLOD CITY – The idyllic city of Himamaylan is pulling out all the stops for the historic 5th Tour of the Fireflies that hits the road on Sunday, November 24.
“We are ready for this historic event,” Mayor Raymund I. Tongson told DNX in a phone interview as he expressed hopes that the tour can raise awareness on the need to not only the need to protect wildlife but will also spur investments and growth the southern city.
Tongson also disclosed that his administration will include eco-tourism as one of its priorities. This would not only provide job opportunities for residents but will help preserve the habitat of wildlife.
Himamaylan used to be covered by lush forests that were denuded by a logging concession, among others, in the 70s.
3,000 and counting
As the race draws closer, only four days away from today (November 19), the number of participants continues to grow.
The Mayor’s office said 3,453 bikers have already registered and more are expected to sign up in time for the Sunday activity.
The route will take bikers on a 78-kilometer pedal that starts at the zero kilometer mark at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City and ends at the national highway in front of the City Hall in Himamaylan City.
The bikers will pass the following area laps before it reaches Himamaylan: Bago City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, San Enrique, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, Binalbagan towns.
