DPWH District Engineer to grace 26th Ornopia Cup

CEBU, Philippines —  A longtime benefactor of motocross who works with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will grace the opening ceremony of the 26th Ornopia Cup set this Sunday, April 13, at the MS Motosuit Motorsports Park in Barangay Calambua, San Remigio north of Cebu.

Engr. Susan Ornopia-Aroa, OIC District Engineer of the DPWH-Central Visayas Cebu 2nd District Engineering Office, will serve as the guest of honor and keynote speaker of the short program that will formally kick-off the exciting race.

For years, Ornopia-Aroa is a constant backer of the longest-running motocross event in the VisMin region anchored on his long-standing belief in the transformative power of sports.

“One important aspect in keeping the youth away from bad vices is to encourage them to engage in sports,” said Ornopia-Aroa. “More than enhancing their athletic skills, sports can offer numerous values that can help the young ones become a person of character and responsible members of the society.”

MS Motosuit big boss Lou Ornopia said honoring the Ornopia family and the rest of their staunch supporters is his own way of saying thanks for helping them get to where they are now.

“Without these generous people who supported us along the way, we would never have come this far. Despite all the trials  and challenges we’ve faced, we’re now on our 26th year. Modesty aside, I think it’s already a feat in itself,” said the acknowledged “Godfather of Cebu motocross” who was once feted as Sportsman of the Year by the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC).

Meanwhile, over a hundred daredevils will showcase their riding skills in this year’s edition of the annual competition.

Aside from the cash prizes, all participants will have a chance to bring home a motorcycle that will be raffled off courtesy of Irwin Ramas-Uypitching of RUSCO Motors and RUSI.

An iconic figure in the racing scene during his prime, Ramas-Uypitching bagged two championship trophies in the pro expert category during the 2007 and 2008 seasons of the MS Motosuit Motocross Series. That catapulted the pride of Dumaguete City to back-to-back “Rider of the Year” awards at the time.

“I am extremely grateful of his support that never wavered through the years,” said Ornopia in expressing his gratitude to Ramas-Uypitching who is now a highly accomplished businessman.

For their upcoming tilt that is part of Calambua’s annual fiesta celebration in honor of their beloved patron San Vicente Ferrer, Ornopia hopes to discover new talents and mold champions in the future just like Ramas-Uypitching, Jon-jon Adlawan, Pepo and Popeye Rubi, Bornok Mangosong, Donkey Sanchez, Jubenile Abellar, John Flores, and BJ Pepito among others.