Biking, jogging along SRP seawall granted

CEBU, Philippines - Anyone can now go biking along the seawall roadside of the South Road Properties after the Cebu City Council approved yesterday the request of a group of biking enthusiasts in the city.

Councilor Gerardo Carillo authored the resolution granting the request of Sugbo Bikers to enter SRP Seawall roadside where they can do their usual exercises.

Councilor Eugenio Gabuya proposed a corollary motion allowing joggers to also enter the area which the body approved.

Bikers and joggers can gain entrance at SRP Seawall roadside from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Monday to Saturday and they have the whole Sunday to use the place.

Sugbo Bikers, composed of over 100 individual members, was represented by Robert Pangilinan in airing the request to Carillo who himself is also a biking enthusiast.

Carillo described the said portion of SRP as a good place for recreation and for physical exercises such as running, jogging, and biking because of its fresh air and nice ambiance.

“The purpose of this group of biking enthusiasts is very noble and healthy as it is good for the health,” he said.

Carillo cited the 1987 Philippine Constitution particularly Article II, Section 15, which provides that “the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.”

“It is also the thrust of the City Government of Cebu to provide a place where to conduct healthy activities for the entire people including, but not limited to Cebu City constituents and visitors,” added Carillo.

Carillo initially disagreed with the proposal of Gabuya citing the security reasons and as suggested by the SRP Management.

But the council eventually approved Gabuya’s proposal with the condition that joggers, as well as the bikers, follow the rules and regulations of the SRP Management Office to ensure their safety.

The bikers are also urged to provide identification cards which Sugbo Bikers are already equipped with their own IDs.

“As long as they follow the existing rules and regulations of the SRP Management Office and also police their own ranks,” Councilor Noel Wenceslao also said.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, who presided the session, then urged the SRP Management Office headed by Roberto “Bu” Varquez to put up a bulletin board at the entrance of the seawall roadside informing the public of their policies.

Following Gabuya, Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos also suggested that swimmers be might as well allowed in the area too.

A separate resolution will be drafted by delos Santos upon the request of Labella.— (FREEMAN)