BATANGAS - Fresh from Tagaytay City, about 50 bikers arrived in Lipa City, Batangas on Monday in lieu of a bike tour that aims to spread public awareness about cervical cancer.

Flowers were given to the bikers, most of whom were women, to symbolize that there is hope in fighting cervical cancer. Included in the group of bikers were sports enthusiasts Ernie and Jeena Lopez and hairstylist David Charlton.

Earlier, barangay health workers of Lipa joined a forum on cervical cancer led by Dr. Jaycee Almaria, Program Manager of the Cervical Prevention Foundation Network of the Philippines.

She said that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide. This is caused by the human papillo virus that can be transferred not just during sexual intercourse but in contaminated clothes or other personal belongings.

About 50 to 80 percent of Filipinas have the virus once in their lifetime, although not all lead to cancer. That’s why Almaria said that vaccination is very important for girls 9 years old and above. Cervical cancer can also be prevented by having only one sexual partner and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

With this year's theme "XXX: Dare to be Bold", the biking team started the 500 kilometer tour in Muntinlupa then on to other parts of the Philippines. "XXX" stands for Expose the truth, Exceed your limit and Exclaim Your Right to Life.

The tour aims to raise funds for cervical cancer programs through bike pledges as well as spreading awareness that cervical cancer can be treated if diagnosed by early screening and vaccination. Batangas local government units are expected to take up the cause as well, by crafting awareness programs for women.

The Tour of Hope is an international bike tour which started in other countries in Asia like Thailand and Malaysia. Last year, it was held from Vigan, Ilocos Sur to Subic, Zambales.

After Lipa City, the team is set to tour Lucena City and Daet in Camarines Norte.