Join today’s Ride for Valor, a bike-for-a-cause to generate money for the upkeep of the Bataan Death March memorials and other World War II heritage sites. Riders and bike enthusiasts from Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Manila, and other parts of the country are invited to participate.
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.
Over 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers were made to march more than 100 kilometers in arduous conditions by Japanese forces in 1942, and it is one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history. Although many soldiers died from infections, thirst, famine, and the cruelty of their Japanese captors, thousands of men did survive the war. PVB is a privately held commercial bank that is owned by World War II soldiers and their families. The marks serve as a reminder of the sorrow and heroism that took place at that time.
Ride for Valor 2023 is sponsored by Without Limits PH, Traqs Philippines, OneLGC, AIR21, Salgado PR, Panahon.TV, and Integrated Waste Management Inc. Other sponsors include Neo Zigma PH, Hotel Sogo, The Oriental Hotel-Bataan, AFAB, Booster C Energy Shot, and Fitbar. The Bank’s ownership has expanded since its new charter was signed into law.
Visit www.facebook.com/RideForValorPH to follow Ride for Valor on Facebook for additional details about the event.
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