“What love can be purer or greater than love of country?” – Andres Bonifacio
Being an archipelagic country, the Philippines takes pride in its bountiful terrain dotted with beautiful islands, and laced with beaches, and vast reefs. From its northern islets in the province of Batanes down to the smallest group of islands in Sulu Province, the country is truly surrounded with abundant and large reserves of natural resources. Such geography shapes the Filipinos’ unique and diverse ways of life, the country’s distinct cultures and traditions, and most of all its national identity. Protecting and preserving these islands and other legal territories, has always been of paramount interest for the Filipino people, as it symbolizes our territorial integrity as united citizens of a free and sovereign nation.
With the objective of propagating patriotism down to the grassroots and local communities relative to the country’s legal and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine National Police joined other Government Agencies in a historic initiative dubbed “Takbo Para sa WPS, Ang Yaman Nito ay Para sa Pilipino”. Said Run-for-a-Cause was organized by the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea in collaboration with the Runrio Inc., together with the Philippine Coast Guard, the Presidential Communication Office, and other NGOs on July 7, 2024 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
The activity was more than just a race. It is a nationwide campaign aimed to amplify national awareness and rally public support for the advocacy surrounding the West Philippine Sea, featuring a 3-series fun run which was held in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro, which was open for all participants in different ages. It highlighted different side-activities and educational engagements such as: (1) Interactive booths showcasing historical facts and current geopolitical issues; (2) Installations depicting the beauty and significance of the West Philippine Sea; and (3) Other educational sessions. Interested participants could choose from four race categories: 16k, 10k, 5k, and 2k. The proceeds of the said activity will be used for the funding of the country’s continuing West Philippine Sea education campaign.
Said Run-for-a-Cause was successful, gathering over 7,000 participants at the SM Mall of Asia Complex which served as the starting point. This included 57 police officers from the PNP Maritime Group led by Police Brigadier General Jonathan A. Cabal, Director, together with other uniformed personnel from different law enforcement agencies in the country, who voluntarily took part in the said endeavor, together with various non-governmental institutions, community groups and other private individuals.
The event kicked off with an energizing warm-up session followed by the activity proper, where participants joined in their respective chosen categories. After the race, a lively Zumba session was held for the runners to cool down and enjoy the vibrant vibes.
The second leg of “Takbo Para sa WPS” was held in Cebu City on August 11, 2024. Cagayan de Oro is set to host the third leg of the run on September 8, 2024.
The event concluded with the closing speech of Senator Francis N. Tolentino, who emphasized the significance of protecting the West Philippine Sea for the nation’s interest. While he commended the tasked agencies, including PNP MG for their dedication and invaluable participation, he also urged the Filipino people to bravely stand and support the government’s efforts in safeguarding the country’s maritime territories.
“Raising public awareness on the West Philippine Sea is [the] key to rallying Filipinos to take a united stand on this issue. It’s good to see that many young runners participated. We are raising the level of awareness on the WPS issue,” said Senator Tolentino.
The Nation’s Peacekeeper under the leadership of Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, PNP Chief, fully supports the government’s commitment in asserting our sovereign rights and in protecting our national interests, not only in the West Philippine Sea but for every inch of our territory.
