After the opening prayer led by Jing Leongson and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the Lanao Del Norte Hymn, former Lanao Del Norte Governor Imelda “Angging Quibranza Dimaporo happily delivered her warmest words of welcome to everyone who graced the event, participants, organizers and spectators alike.

“This is the dream of Khalid - to make Lanao Del Norte the Motocross Capital of the Philippines”, said the former governor during an interview. She was overwhelmed by the active involvement of many motocross enthusiasts from all over the country and expressed her happiness by saying that this year’s motocross was a proof of a renewed image for Lanao Del Norte as a province. “Lanao Del Norte is indeed a peaceful province and the people of Lanao Del Norte are very loving people”, she boasted with pride as she faced the excited motocross racers lined up in front of her during the opening program.

The 2010 Motocross Summit, being the third leg of the Philippine Motocross Challenge, attracted more and more racers from so many provinces of the archipelago. Participants came from Dumaguete, Iloilo, Bukidnon, Davao,Cebu, Manila,La Union, Ilocos Sur, Bicol, Sorsogon, Laguna, Bulacan, Batangas, Surigao, Ozamiz, Pagadian and the host, Lanao Del Norte.

“Marami nang gustong pumunta dito sa Lanao Del Norte. Nakilala tagala ang Lanao del Norte na maganda yung race tracks at maganda yung pag-organize naming”, emphasized SEL-J President Jay Lacnit. He was very thankful for the outpouring of support from sports enthusiasts who celebrate the motocross sport and spirit in the country. He gave his thanksgiving during the opening ceremonies. The Pledge of Sportsmanship followed with Pepo Rubi leading it.

Among the most anticipated racers this year are star riders Glenn Aguilar and Jovie Saulog who became household sports name in the province after the success of the previous motocross races held last December.

“I will just try my best, just the same, I will do my best. I won lang naman last time kasi medyo minalas si Glenn and he fell down. Ayaw ko naming mangyari ulit yun. Mas maganda yung walang nasasaktan. Manalo nang malinis at walang bumabagsak. Mas maganda”, prayed Jovie Saulog, last year’s race victor. It was well remembered that advantage went to Saulog when Aguilar befell an accident last year, granting the former the race’s win.

“I am fully recovered from my last accident here in Tubod. I did not expect that to happen. I trained a lot after my accident. You’ll see good action again here. I’m back and I’m fit”, assured Glenn Aguilar. He is determined to show more of his motocross talent this year to redeem his self and be part of the success of this year’s race. He expressed his gratitude for the support given by the Dimaporo Family during his last accident.

The motocross events held in the province of Lanao Del Norte signified an establishment of progress, concretely made possible by the collaborative efforts exerted by the administration of Lanao Del Norte, the people and their development partners.

“This is our one major way nga mabutang sa mapa ang Lanao Del Norte. We are here for the development of Lanao Del Norte. We have to help each other”, encouraged former governor Angging Quibranza-Dimaporo. She saw the potential of achieving holistic progress for the province of Lanao Del Norte. With the province making a significant niche in the development spectrum of the country, there is no doubt that more milestones are coming the province’s way and a valuable legacy of excellent governance is handed continuously to every generation. SNDP/PIO-LDN.