ILOILO CITY, Nov. 25 (PIA) - - The provincial government of Guimaras was amazed by the turnout of participants of a biking event held over the weekend in the island province.

This is the local government's effort to open anew its doors to tourists amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic.

Governor Samuel Gumarin said 136 biking enthusiasts participated in the Bike Fun Race held November 22, 2020 at the San Fernando Bike Park in the village of San Fernando, in Buenavista town.

"We were amazed when we see a lot of people, a lot of bike enthusiasts coming from Panay Island, that's why we reached 136 participants instead of 60 plus in the 17 categories of the event," said Gumarin during an interview with Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar in the Laging Handa Network Briefing, November 25.

Gumarin said they fought the COVID 19 pandemic for many months as they always try to strike the balance that the province's economy will not be affected even under general community quarantine.

He said they started opening their economy since their vision is for Guimaras is to be identified as the agri-eco tourism capital in Region 6.

Minimum public health protocols such as physical distancing, wearing of face masks and washing of hands were strictly observed during the activity.

Riders were required to wear proper gear and mask before they were allowed to join the cycling event.

Last Sunday's event was joined by 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist Lea Denise Belgira who encouraged Guimarasnons to engage in sports, according to Gumarin.

Belgira hails from Brgy. Salvacion, Buenavista.

After launching the province as Bike Paradise of Western Visayas three years ago, the provincial government is now aiming to be the Bike Paradise of the Philippines. (JSC/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)