PIA Press Release
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

NegOr vice-guv promotes bicycles as transport mode of barangays

DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 18 (PIA) -- Negros Oriental vice-governor Apolonio Arnaiz wants to promote the use of bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation of all barangay personnel in the province to save gasoline and promote the use of non-motorized vehicles.

Arnaiz allocated P500 thousand to buy surplus mountain bikes as transportation of all barangay personnel and turned-over 24 units of bicycles to the village chiefs Tuesday at the Dumaguete City hall grounds.

"The use of bicycle is an alternative and sustainable mode of transportation for a healthier environment," Arnaiz said.

The turneover ceremony was witnessed by Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria, City Administrator William Ablong and city hall employees.

Of the 30 barangays in the city, 24 were given bicycles and the other six barangays will follow, according to Vice-Governor Arnaiz.

Arnaiz, who is an environmentalist, also announced to the barangay captains that those barangays situated near rivers will also have budget allocations to buy giant bamboo seedlings that will be planted beside the Banica River banks.

The Vice Governor explained that bamboos can cover bald mountains quicker than other tree species; protect the side of rivers and also contribute to a long-term effect in mitigating climate change. (mbcn/jct/PIA-NegOr)