MANILA, Philippines--The city government of Makati on Wednesday announced that it will be hosting the kick-off event for this year?s ?Tour of Hope,? a cycling tour event that aims to promote public awareness on cervical cancer.

Dr. Ma. Lourdes Salud, city health officer, said in a press conference that the University of Makati track oval will serve as the kick-off point for the 500-kilometer cycling tour from Manila to Baguio March 20-24, 2010.

?We in Makati recognize the urgent need to educate our people about cervical cancer, which is now the second most common female cancer in our country and worldwide. We welcome this opportunity to be part of a noble mission that aims to spare the lives of Filipino women from a dreaded yet preventable disease,? Salud said.

Salud said Mayor Jejomar C. Binay was enthusiastic about the project since it was in line with the preventive health care program of his administration.

City Councilor and United Opposition mayoralty candidate Jejomar Erwin S. Binay also attended the press conference to express his support for the project.

?After my wife died, women?s health has become an advocacy for me. I thank everyone behind the Tour of Hope initiative for entrusting us with this significant undertaking,? the young Binay said.

The councilor?s wife Kennely Ann died August 11 last year due to complications after giving birth to their fourth child, who survived and is now six months old.

Dr. Cecilia Llave, chairperson of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Cancer Institute and head of CECAP. Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) Network Program, briefed members of the media about the project and its intended benefits to the Filipino women.

Other advocates present included actress Lotlot de Leon and David Charlton, owner of David?s Salon Group, together with members of the Team David?s Salon, the Philippine?s first all-women multi-sport team dedicated to promoting sports, at the same time sharing a passion for health and wellness.

This year?s theme for the Tour of Hope is ?The Tour of Hope 360: Fighting Cervical Cancer in Full Circle.?

The Tour of Hope (TTOH) is a non-profit initiative of a group of like-minded people of various backgrounds to set up bicycle tours to increase awareness and raise funds for health prevention and education projects benefiting resource limited communities.

The event is a joint project of CIF/CECAP, Bravehearts, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, and in strategic partnership with Team David?s Salon. The cycling tour has managed to attract people from all walks of life, including socialite and columnist Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Sen. Pia Cayetano, and sports polymath Jeena Lopez.