MATAG-OB, Leyte – Over 80 bikers from all over Visayas joined the 1st Mayor's Cup Matag-ob Downhill Bike Challenge on Sunday, April 16. The participants competed in seven categories at Bondari Peak, the municipality's top tourist destination. The riders raced from the peak overcoming obstacles and following a track that explores nature. Mayor Bernandino Tacoy said downhill biking adventure is only one of the many activities that they are promoting at Bondari. He said that they also hold motocross challenges, arts, and other socio-cultural events to invite more people to visit. Tacoy added that the downhill challenge is part of their tourism campaign which includes sports and ecotourism. "This event is included in the series of sports activities that we will be holding this month under the BDO-LS alliance," he said. The mayor said five municipalities in the fourth district of Leyte have formed an alliance to promote tourism and development programs – Matag-ob, Merida, Palompon, Isabel, and Albuera. "This alliance is a big help in inviting tourists not only to our town but also to other tourist sites in the district," he said. Albuera also simultaneously held its first mountain trail and canyoneering challenge. "On behalf of our nearby municipalities, hopefully, we can continue uniting not only for tourism and development but also for our service to our people. We extend our invitation to everyone to visit us and explore our municipalities," Tacoy said.