PRO-6 leads Padyak event

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  — Officials and members of the Police Regional Office-6 will lead interested bicyclers for the region-wide "Padyak Para sa Kalusugan, Kapayapaan at Kalikasan (KKK)" today (Feb. 12) as their way of celebrating Valentine's Day.

PRO-6 director, Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol, Jr. said this pre-Valentine's Day event aims to foster unity, create awareness and goodwill among law enforcers and various stakeholders of the community for the realization of mutual goals: Good health, peace and order, and protection of the environment.

The "Padyak Para sa KKK" will be done simultaneously around the region, he said, and any person or group is welcomed to join the activity.

In Iloilo City, about 100 bicyclers have already registered to participate, and Querol clarified that no fees are required for such.

"This is not a fund-raising project, but a call for unity for a cause. One needs only to bring his or her bike to join in the activity," Querol said.

"We (PRO-6) consider this as part of our moral obligation to lift a finger in the campaign for a healthy lifestyle and preservation and conservation of Mother Earth," he said adding that police service is not only about peace and order but also for other concerns in the community.

The activity will start at 6:30 a.m. at the city's Freedom Grandstand.

The first stop-over will be at the multi-purpose hall of Brgy. Bakhaw in Mandurriao district where a short prayer for peace will be held with the residents.

The group of participants will then bike their way to the shores of Arevalo district for a coastal clean-up activity.

The third stop will be at Brgy. Esperanza in the city proper where another prayer for peace will be held with the residents and barangay officials.

The police noted that both Bakhaw and Esperanza have been considered seriously drug-affected barangays.

The activity will end at the PRO-6 Multi-Purpose Hall for the giving of special awards and a boodle-fight. (FREEMAN)