L-R Architect Philip Reginald Lai – Santa Rosa City Architect ,Mr. Patrick Ballesteros – SM City Santa Rosa Mall Manager,Mr. Joel Castro – Chairperson; Santa Rosa Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Cooperative Council of Santa Rosa Mr. Camilo Bellen – WBD Santa Rosa Team and Tata Rey aka Makatang Siklista.
SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, successfully commemorated World Bicycle Day with a series of nationwide events that brought together bike enthusiasts, advocates, and key stakeholders in the promotion of cycling and sustainable transport. The event, held simultaneously across multiple SM malls, saw an impressive turnout of 1,800 attendees nationwide.
The World Bicycle Day celebration, held at SM by the BAY in Pasay City, featured a variety of activities aimed at promoting safe and sustainable biking. Attendees included bike enthusiasts and advocates, members of the national bike coalition “Break the Cycle,” as well as partners from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and various local government units (LGUs).
A highlight of the event was the community bike ride that took place not only at SM by the BAY but also at SM City Marikina, SM City Fairview, SM City Clark, SM City Santa Rosa, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM Lanang Premier in Davao. This simultaneous bike ride brought together people from different locations, promoting the joy of cycling and SM’s advocacy for safe and sustainable transport.
Ms. Queenie Dizon-Rodulfo, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Mall Based Business Units and Operations Services, shared his thoughts on the event, stating, “We are thrilled to have hosted a successful World Bicycle Day celebration to kick-off more activities under our Bike Fest across SM malls nationwide this June. SM remains committed to promoting biking as a safe and sustainable means of transportation. As we continue supporting communities, we hope to engage more with like-minded champions in raising awareness and fostering a culture of biking.”
Mr. Joel Castro , Chairperson; Santa Rosa Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Cooperative Council of Santa Rosa said : “World Bicycle Day serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable transport in building livable cities. We are pleased to collaborate with SM Cares and other key stakeholders to further promote biking and create a safer and more inclusive urban environment for all.”
Architect Philip Reginald Lai , Santa Rosa City Architect. also highlighted the efforts of SM Cares in championing bike safety and infrastructure, stating, “SM Cares has been a valuable partner in our collective mission to create bike-friendly cities. Their commitment to providing bike racks, repair facilities, and collaborating with various government agencies and bike organizations has significantly contributed to improving biking conditions and safe road sharing in the country.”
The World Bicycle Day celebration was a testament to the growing support for cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation, under the SM Cares Bike-Friendly initiative. Apart from these, SM Cares advocacies include programs on the Environment, Children and Youth, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilitities.
