The event was jointly organized by the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations and the Philippine Embassy in Viet Nam to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Philippines (1976-2026).

Attendees included Pham Tat Thang, Member of the Party Central Committee and Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee for Mass Mobilization, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and central mass organizations; Nguyen Thi Thu Giang, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations; Pham Tuan Long, Member of the Hanoi Party Committee and Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; as well as ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations and foreign non-governmental organizations, representatives of central and Hanoi authorities, friendship associations, cycling clubs and a large number of local residents.

Starting from the Ba Kieu Temple area, delegates and participants cycled around Hoan Kiem Lake, experiencing the capital's cultural and historical surroundings.

Delegates and international friends cycling at the event. (Photo: HAUFO)

Cycling together to strengthen friendship

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Ngoc Ky, President of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, said that over its successive editions, the “Friendship cycling journey for a green Hanoi” had become an annual event of profound humanitarian and social significance for the capital. The program was not only a sporting activity promoting physical fitness and health but also a bridge connecting the people of Hanoi with international friends living, studying and working in Viet Nam, thereby fostering friendship and international solidarity.

A special feature of this year's journey was the Philippine Embassy in Viet Nam's participation in co-organizing the event, as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Nguyen Ngoc Ky emphasized that over the past half-century, Viet Nam-Philippines relations had continued to be strengthened and developed across various fields. In 2026, the Philippines is also assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship, further highlighting the importance of solidarity among member states within the ASEAN Community as they work together towards peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Nguyen Ngoc Ky, President of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations. (Photo: HAUFO)

Against this backdrop of cooperation, the President of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations spoke highly of the active and effective coordination of the Philippine Embassy in Viet Nam and expressed his appreciation for the continued support of diplomatic missions, international organizations and diplomats in the capital's people-to-people exchange activities.

He noted that the strong turnout of international friends and local residents at the event was vivid evidence of friendship and international solidarity, while also reflecting shared concern for practical issues such as public health, environmental protection and sustainable urban development.

Through each lap along Hanoi's historic streets, the organizers sought to spread messages of peace and environmental protection, promote the development of a “Green, clean, beautiful and friendly” capital, and contribute to global efforts to respond to climate change.

Promoting cycling for a green and sustainable city

On behalf of Philippine Ambassador to Viet Nam Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, Jackielou-Mary Gan Huelgas, Deputy Head of Mission of the Philippines in Viet Nam, expressed her delight at the enthusiastic response from delegates and local residents to this year's journey. She thanked the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations for facilitating the Philippine Embassy's participation in co-organizing this meaningful event as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

According to Jackielou-Mary Gan Huelgas, the community's enthusiastic participation was a positive sign, demonstrating that more and more people are paying attention to their health and choosing environmentally friendly modes of transport. She expressed hope that the event would encourage people to choose bicycles instead of cars whenever conditions permit, thereby making a practical contribution to Viet Nam's efforts to move closer to its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Jackielou-Mary Gan Huelgas, Deputy Head of Mission of the Philippines in Viet Nam, speaking at the event. (Photo: HAUFO)

She also highlighted the physical and mental health benefits of cycling, including reducing stress, improving physical fitness and saving travel costs. Cycling can also bring communities closer together, particularly when people ride with family and friends.

From an urban development perspective, Jackielou-Mary Gan Huelgas stressed the importance of prioritizing the development of dedicated cycling lanes and public bicycle-sharing systems. These are essential conditions for encouraging more people to choose cycling as a means of transport in their daily lives.

The Deputy Head of Mission of the Philippines described initiatives such as the “Friendship Cycling Journey for a Green Hanoi” as an effective way to bring communities together while strengthening friendship and bonds among peoples of different countries.

She expressed her hope that the Philippine Embassy would continue working alongside the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations on similar activities, as the two countries look ahead to the next 50 years of Viet Nam-Philippines friendship.

Delegates and international friends cycling at the event. (Photo: HAUFO)

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