You might be wondering, "How can I, as a regular Filipino, help protect our country's sovereignty?"
Running coach Rio Dela Cruz of RunRio Inc., the private sector partner of the PCG in organizing the Takbo WPS, explained that a running event can be a powerful platform to foster a sense of responsibility and community among Filipinos while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Since more Filipinos are gaining interest in running both as a sport and as a leisure activity, it is an engaging way to gather support and raise awareness about the importance of advocating for the country’s maritime rights and resources.
National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director-General Jonathan Malaya, who also serves as one of the spokespersons of the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), explained that the Takbo WPS initiative does not only aim to encourage Filipinos to participate in a fun run but also hone active advocates of the maritime’s territorial integrity and the country as a whole.
“Kailangan po natin yung mga events na ganito because this is actually an educational campaign with an activation component,” said Malaya.
(We need events like this because this is actually an educational campaign with an activation component.)
“All of those who will join us in this activity ay mayroon ding oportunidad na mas malalim na maintindihan ‘yung issues,” he added.
(All of those who will join us in this activity will also have the opportunity to better understand the issues.)
It is also worth noting that the Takbo WPS running event does not only involve a simple race. In particular, it integrates relevant activities that will educate participants about the West Philippine Sea.
What to see inside the race village of the Takbo WPS
The race village of the Takbo WPS advocacy run is composed of a main stage, baggage deposit area, finisher tees and medals booth, medic and timing booths, route maps and directory, portable toilets, hydration stations, and information counter.
However, what makes the race village unique is its activity area which includes interactive walls allowing participants to write personal thoughts and comments about how they can adopt practices in support of the initiatives that contribute to the protection of the West Philippine Sea.
There will also be educational exhibits inside the race village featuring key historical facts and geopolitical issues concerning the West Philippine Sea as well as the status of the country’s sovereignty.
The goal of integrating the learning opportunities in the advocacy run is to help build awareness and fight disinformation and information manipulation in line with the transparency strategy of the PCG.
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director-General Jose A. Torres Jr., for his part, expressed the commitment of the government communication sector in garnering public support through empowering the Filipinos to make informed decisions.
“We support the transparency initiative ng ating National Task Force-West Philippine Sea para mas maintindihan ng ating mga kababayan ang usapin d’yan sa West Philippine Sea,” said Torres.
(We support the transparency initiative of the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea to enable Filipinos a deeper understanding of the underlying issues confronting the West Philippine Sea.)
“Hindi lamang maintindihan kundi magkaroon sila ng aksyon, magkaroon ng partisipasyon para maipakita natin ang suporta,” he added.
(Not only foster understanding but also encourage them to take action and have participation to show our support.)
The Takbo WPS is scheduled to take place in three locations: Manila on July 7, Cebu on August 4, and Cagayan de Oro on September 8. Dela Cruz mentioned that there is consideration for adding a fourth location in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.
The run will feature four categories: a 2-kilometer (2K), 5K, 10K, and 16K race. In Dapitan, the 16K run will be extended to a 21K marathon.
Initially, the event aimed to accommodate 3,000 participants, but this number may increase based on demand. Registration fees range from P1,000 to P1,500, and all proceeds will support a "West Philippine Sea educational campaign," Dela Cruz said.
The event will include booths showcasing "historical facts and current geopolitical issues" related to the West Philippine Sea, highlighting its beauty and significance.
The fun run is endorsed by the NTF-WPS and the PIA.
