FIRST TREEATHLON: HUGE SUCCESS
The first TREEathlon in Casiguran was indeed a huge a success. Participated by over 400 Bikers from the different municipalities in the Province of Sorsogon, the recreational activity dubbed as TREEathlon, was held on May 26, 2019 with Casiguran Water District together and Local Government of Casiguran as sponsors. The event was highlighted with Biking, Hiking and Tree Planting activities.
The event started at 6 AM where the bikers assembled at the Municipal Grounds for registration. They were given light snacks, special lugaw and hot pan de sal, as prepared by LGU employees.
At 7 AM, the Hon. Jose Edwin B. Hamor welcomed the bikers to the municipality and delivered a special message before the actual take-off. He said that the event is the first of its kind in the province. He added that the Municipality of Casiguran together with Casiguran Water District aims to promote tourism industry in the municipality and at the same time foster and nurture the concept of nature preservation, thus the tree planting.
The TREEathlon is another component of the so-called Be Cool Inlagadian, tourism program. Other components which were already implemented were Eco Camps and Agri Fair. The Be Cool Inlagadian is an aggressive tourism campaign of LGU with CWD as partner.
The TREEathlon consists of 35 kilometers funbike, traversing 15 Barangays of Casiguran. The Finish Line is at Orok Cold Spring Resort, owned and managed by Casiguran Water District.
The bikers upon reaching the Finish Line were given tree planting materials. They then hiked some distance inside the watershed area and locate a pre-excavated small hole in the ground were they planted the young tree. Every hole comes with a triangular tarpau flaglet which then served as their meal ticket and souvenir item.
A la carte lunch were served to the delight of the bikers.
Raffle draws were also conducted to add fun and excitement among the participants. Biking gears and accessories were given. Three brand new mountain bikes were the major prizes.
The TREEathlon, though at its first staging, was considered the biggest biking event that ever happened in the province of Sorsogon.