News & Events

CANCER WARRIORS CONQUER HEARTS and MINDS:
Challenges Youth in Laoag and Vigan to Make A Difference

After having covered over 400kms and three provinces (Nueva Ecija, Nueva Viscaya, Cagayan Valley), the Cancer Warriors bikers team again hit the road on September 5 and 6, covering an additional 150kms and reaching out to two more provinces, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.  Jerry Bernas, Bike for Life 2002 coordinator, shared a meaningful trivia on their journey:  "Despite the heavy monsoon rains and bad weather, the Cancer Warriors Bike for Life journey has consistently been blessed with good weather.  The rains come only after the bikers have reached their destination or have completed the scheduled forum.  Indeed, God makes a way for Cancer Warriors to bring its message of hope and faith."

On September 5, the team biked from Pagudpud to Laoag, for a Cancer Consciousness forum at Laoag City's Heroes Hall, organized and hosted by the office of Congressman Ablan through Ritchie Balicanta.  Close to three hundred high school students listened in rapt attention as cancer survivor, James Auste, inspired them to continue to persevere in the face of extreme challenges/hardships and to find a way to make a difference in their communities and in the lives of children with cancer.  Through the hospitality of Sheryl Ablan, the team got a much needed rest at the Palazzo de Laoag.  From Laoag, the team pedaled and pushed their way through another 75km to reach Vigan.  The team was warmly welcomed at Sinait town by Mayor Edgar Yabes, together with 15 members of the Vigan Cycling Maniacs, led by their president Benjie Versoza, with fellow members/bikers, Dr. Freddie Lamarca (VP of UNP), Steve Javier and Richard Diongco.  Through the leadership of Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano, the support of various sectors of the community was mobilized.  School children waved flags as the riders passed through the streets of Vigan, escorted by the first aid team of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and the College of Health Sciences of the University of Northern Philippines.  A sumptuous lunch was prepared and hosted by the officials of the UNP led by their President Lauro B. Tacbas.

In the afternoon, a Cancer Awareness forum was held at the UNP auditorium attended by close to 500 members of the UNP academic community as well as guests from other institutions (Divine Word, St Pauls, Abra Provincial Hospital).  Ludivina Esquerra, a UNP Professor and cancer survivor shared her personal journey while Dr Luz Lazo and Dr Joel Beleno provided inputs on Understanding Cancer.

A very moving and inspirational message was delivered by Dr Ferdinand Lamarca, UNP VP for Planning, Research and Extension. In his talk, he explained why he took the opportunity to join and bike with James and the Cancer Warriors team:  "I wanted to join. I wanted to be counted and be part of this historic event.  I believe the Bike for Life theme captures the whole meaning of struggle, the whole meaning of life".  He recognized James for his unflinching spirit and indomitable courage.  He went on to say that "Biking itself is a microcosm of life.  The struggle a biker has to make when the climbs are steep and difficult is a reflection of life.  When one is tempted to quit because the finish line is still far off but nonetheless perseveres, this is the essence of life."  He challenged the students to reflect on life and to grab every opportunity to make their lives and other peoples lives meaningful.  He pointed out that if James who is a cancer survivor and still on medications can do so much, "we who are still strong and healthy should make our lives more meaningful by doing our own share for humanity".