PASAY CITY, (PIA) — Tomas “Tammy” Tejada, a brain surgery survivor and a long-time employee of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), defied expectations by completing a 16-kilometer run Sunday to raise awareness about the West Philippine Sea issue.
Tejada, who recently underwent delicate brain surgery, participated in the “Takbo Para sa West Philippine Sea, ang Yaman nito ay Para sa Pilipino” (Run for the West Philippine Sea, Its Riches for Filipinos) event in Manila.
“Many thought I wouldn’t be able to participate in such events anymore,” Tejada, who’s in his late 50’s said in an interview by PIA-NCR.
“But I was committed to proving to myself and supporting this important cause,” he added in Filipino.
The PIA employee viewed the run as an opportunity to combine his passion for running with advocacy for national interests.
He prepared for the event through a gradual recovery process, starting with short walks and slowly increasing his distance and pace.
During the run, Tejada drew motivation from the significance of the West Philippine Sea issue and support from his PIA colleagues.
“I want to show that age and health challenges don’t have to stop you from making a difference,” Tejada said.
He hopes his participation will inspire more Filipinos to learn about and support the country’s stance on the West Philippine Sea.
Meanwhile, the PIA contingent was led by Director-General Jose Torres Jr. who finished the 5-kilometer run, along with other runners from the PIA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), other government agencies, runner groups, families, and individuals that reached around 7,000 runners during the Manila leg, as estimated by the Philippine National Police Maritime Group.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Emerald Ridao, another running enthusiast, also finished the 10-kilometer race.
While, Senator Francis Tolentino showed his support for the cause by also participating in the event. Senator Tolentino was joined by PCG Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela during the run.
The event was organized by RUNRIO Inc., in partnership with the PCG, National Task Force-West Philippine Sea, the PCO, and PIA. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
