Jagna, Bohol, November 28, 2010. Unfazed by the challenge of half-day biking, 11-year old Vanessa Torreon joins his father in an epic ride to conflict areas in Mindanao. Dubbed Bisayang Dako Alang Sa Kalinaw (BISDAK): Ride for Peace and Solidarity for Mindanao, the ride kicked off early this morning at Tagbilaran, Bohol.

Braving the heat and 4-hour cycling from Tagbilaran to Jagna are some 40 bikers, a number of them, including the young Vanessa, will be pushing forward to Mindanao while the rest rode along just to send off their fellow bikers.

Upon arrival to Jagna, Mayor Hon. Fortunato R. Abrenilla welcomed the group while Msgr. Orencio Jubac blessed the bikers and led a prayer for the group’s success and safety. After the short program, a fellowship lunch was shared by supporters and bikers.

As early as 12 a.m. on November 29, the Bikers for Peace will board a ship bound for Nasipit, Agusan del Sur, where they will be met by support groups including local government officials and some local bikers.

BISDAK is a continuing effort of Duyog Mindanao, a campaign for solidarity for Mindanao spearheaded by the Initiatives for International Dialogue. It aims to raise awareness especially among Filipinos from Luzon and the Visayas, on developing a broad constituency to support peace efforts in Mindanao. In 2008, Duyog Mindanao had a peace caravan from Baguio City to Cotabato City.