Mariveles, Bataan - Riders and bike enthusiasts from Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Manila and other parts of the country, join today’s Ride for Valor, a bike-for-a-cause to raise funds for the maintenance of the Bataan Death March markers and other World War 2 heritage sites.
The ride
coincides with the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor),
also known as the 81st Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan and the start of the
Death March.
Mike
Villa-Real, first
vice president for marketing and communications of the Philippine Veterans Bank
(PVB), said the event, organized by PVB in partnership with the Department of
National Defense, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Provincial Government of
Bataan and Wartime Heritage Guild-Philippines, aims to preserve the legacy of
Filipino and American soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy during
World War 2. "The Bataan Death March is a somber reminder of the
bravery and selflessness of Filipino veterans during the Second World War. It
is an essential part of Philippine history and culture, and the Ride for Valor
is an important way of honoring the veterans and preserving their legacy. Plus
rider get to learn more about this historic event as they will be be traversing
the actual route of the Death March," he said.
The ride is
open only to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes.
Villa-Real said the event starts at 2:30 a.m. from the Kilometer Zero in
Mariveles, Bataan, to Capas National Shrine in Tarlac. The non-competitive bike
ride will have four pitstops: Mt. Samat,
Balanga Provincial Capitol’s The Bunker, San Fernando Train Station, and
Angeles Museum. Giveaways will be given in selected pitstops.
Villa-Real
said participants may ride at their own pace, adding there will be a 12-hour
cut-off during the event. He noted that the event implements a "No
Helmet, No Ride" policy to ensure the safety of the participants.
Villa-Real also said a mechanic will be available to help those who encounter
mechanical difficulties, while roving marshals will be present to keep track of
the riders' progress. Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride
in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.
The
Bataan Death March is
one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history, where around 80,000 Filipino
and American soldiers were forced to march more than 100 kilometers in grueling
conditions by Japanese forces in 1942. Thousands of soldiers survived but many
also died due to starvation, dehydration, diseases, and the brutality of
Japanese captors. The markers serve as reminders of the tragedy and heroism
that occurred during that period.
PVB is a private, commercial bank owned
by World War 2 veterans and their families. With Its new Charter signed into
law, the Bank's ownership now includes Post War Veterans and AFP Retirees. Ride
for Valor 2023 is supported by Without Limits PH, Traqs Philippines, OneLGC,
AIR21, Salgado PR, Panahon.TV, and the Integrated Waste Management Inc, Neo
Zigma PH, Hotel Sogo, The Oriental Hotel-Bataan, AFAB, Booster C Energy Shot,
and Fitbar.For more information about the event, follow Ride for Valor on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/RideForValorPH.
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