MANILA, Philippines -- Around 500 bikers and peace advocates will gather in Cotabato City on May 29 and bike for 36 kilometers to promote peace in the region.

Dubbed "Bike for Peace 2011," biking enthusiasts, government officials, civil society organizations and the military will come together to help the government spread awareness about the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said the government negotiating panel initiated the event to gain heightened support from the public on the peace process.

OPAPP said the 36-km ride will start at about 6:30 a.m. at the Cotabato City Hall, pass through the town of Datu Odin Sinsuat, and end near the Municipal Hall of Upi, Maguindanao.

Participants from different groups have been invited to join the bikefest. Among them: Cotabato Off Road Enthusiasts (CORE); Karancho Motorcycle Club; Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom); AFP 6th Infantry Division (6ID); Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID); Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MINHRAC); Mindanao People's Caucus (MPC), Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP); and Muslim Organization of Government Officials and Professionals.

The local government of Upi will also conduct a medical mission at the town gymnasium during the event.

Under the Aquino administration, the MILF has resumed peace negotiations with the government, and the two sides are scheduled meet again for another round of formal exploratory talks in June.

The government panel is expected to submit its counterproposal to the MILF’s Comprehensive Compact which contains the Moro group’s starting position for a politically negotiated settlement.