Dateline LIBACAO
BY ALEX E. DIONELA

1st Motocross in Libacao

For the first time a motorcycle race of local amateur riders is slated to be held in this town on May 28-29, 2011 in a newly-built race track located in barangay Rosal, approximately 12 kilometers from the Poblacion.

It is dubbed as the “1st Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores Motocross Cup” by the event organizers headed by motorcycle enthusiast Frederick Ninonuevo, a local resident.

This event which will be graced by Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores of the Lone District of Aklan is sponsored by barangay Rosal represented by Brgy. Captain Wilfredo Vidad in cooperation with the local government unit of Libacao represented by Mayor Charito I. Navarosa and the Aklan Trail Riders (ATR) Association composed of Kalibo-based motorcyclists.

According to Ninonuevo, expected to participate in this motorcycle race are riders from Iloilo comprising of three teams and another three teams from Capiz with special participation of riders from Cebu City, one team from Valderrama, Antique, several local teams from Aklan and special participating team from the island resort of Boracay.

It is aimed to develop and enhance the talent and skills of local riders in motorcycle racing and to eventually adopt motocross as another sports event in Aklan while the town of Libacao looks at it interestingly as its entry point in its eco-tourism promotion and development.

“The town of Libacao is blessed with vast tract of land consisting of fertile farms, green valleys and high mountain ranges which are not only suited for agriculture but also for eco-tourism purposes, and in this particular case in motocross competitions”, Mayor Navarosa said.

Competition categories include; Beginner Motard, Open Motard, Flat Track Enduro, Beginner Enduro, Open Enduro, Novice Production, Open Production, Executive Production and “Habal-habal”. This event competition will be conducted and officiated by motocross officials of the Aklan Trail Riders with winners in this motorcycle race will be awarded of cash prizes, trophies and certificates.

This town of Libacao is an interior municipality located strategically in the heart of Panay island bordering the towns of Madalag, Banga and Balete in Aklan, of Jamindan and Tapaz in Capiz, of Calinog and Lambunao in Iloilo and Barbaza, Lauaan, Valderrama and Bugasong in Antique whose forest land is said to be the only remaining forest cover in Panay.

It is rich in natural resources whose mountainous vast land areas and relatively colder weather condition is suitable in producing high-value crops, fruits, vegetables and cutflowers. It is blessed with beautiful natural scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna that could attract local and foreign tourists and whose abundant water supply are all potentials for hydro electric power and a good source of water for irrigation and domestic use.