Iloilo Tour of the Fireflies set as the Brigade turns 20.
Hundreds of cycling fireflies will light up the streets of Iloilo on the evening of November 23, 2019 as the Firefly Brigade celebrates two decade as a campaigns and advocacy organization dedicated in promoting clean air and sustainable communities.
Since its formation in 1999, the Firefly Brigade has been organizing the Tour of the Fireflies in Metro Manila to encourage the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transportation and to deliver an important message to the authorities – to address the problem of pollution and traffic congestion.
See Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/fireflybrigade.org/
On its 20th anniversary, Iloilo will be joining the nationwide Bike ZEVolution – driving zero emission vehicles (ZEV), to demonstrate and encourage much-needed climate action.
Iloilo’s biking and non-motorized transport population has steadily increased in the last nine years especially with the establishment of biking infrastructure and with new ordinances passed that promote the use of bike.
The Firefly Brigade has captured the public curiosity regarding the use of the name “firefly”. It comes with a significance. According to the group, fireflies turn out to be indicators of good and clean air. In short, if the environment is clean from pollution, then fireflies thrive.
Among Ilonggos, fireflies is called “ipot-ipot” and they thrive in rural communities. However, they can be rarely seen these days and it makes the campaign of the Firefly Brigade relevant and compelling especially among the young population.
This is the reason why the Tour of the Fireflies is annually set on the month of November for it is the celebration of the National Environmental Awareness and Clean Air Month.
A similar commemorative ride dubbed as Firefly Brigade v.20: Bike ZEVolution is also being organized in Manila on November 10, 2019. https://www.facebook.com/events/504948060284141/
The Iloilo City TOF
The 1st Iloilo Tour of the Fireflies (TOF) is being spearheaded by the TOF Iloilo Organizing Committee composed of urban cycling advocates. It will be staged at Park Square, Iloilo Business Park at the Megaworld in Mandurriao district on November 23, 2019 (Saturday) and it will commence with an Opening Program at 6:00 P.M.
The advocacy ride is supported by Iloilo Business Park, Festive Walk Mall, and the Office of Councilor Jay Treñas, who is considered by the bikers as their local champion having supported numerous legislative measures.
There are around 200-300 cyclists from all ages (8- to 86-year-old) expected to join and who will ride different kinds of bicycles. The event will be a parade in colorful costumes and light up the streets of the City of Love.
The event is packed with fun and excitement for special prizes are up for grabs for those with the Best Lights and Best Costumes. The largest group delegation will have a prize.
TOR registration
The bike ride is free of registration but a minimal fee of P50.00 will be requested for those who wish to join the raffle and have post-ride snacks.
Pre-registration for the 1st Iloilo Tour of the Fireflies is now open at the following registration sites:
Alex/Papoo Bike Shop, 2B Bike Store, Gea Marketing, and Planet Cycle.
For those who are interested to join and support this advocacy fun ride, you may contact: Jazz Tabangay (0920-604-6874) or Vida Sy (0917-575-8040). You may also check out the group’s Facebook page, Tour of the Fireflies – Iloilo at https://www.facebook.com/Tour-of-the-Fireflies-Iloilo-114534989980736/
