As the situation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) heats up, the national government is in search of innovative ways to bring the issue closer to the hearts of the Filipinos so they could better understand it and its consequences.
And what better way to do this by running a marathon, right?
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) teamed up with Runrio Incorporated, an organization which conceptualizes premier races incorporated with notable advocacies, to promote physical fitness and camaraderie, and foster a deeper understanding of the importance of the WPS and safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
“The objective of this activity is to foster community through physical fitness while emphasizing the significance of the West Philippine Sea to the Filipinos,” Rio Dela Cruz, a running coach and founder of Runrio Inc., said in a press conference in Manila on Monday, April 15.
The fun run will be held in three locations: Manila on July 7, Cebu on August 4, and Cagayan de Oro on September 8. A fourth location is being considered in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, according to Dela Cruz.
It will be categorized into four: a two kilometer (2K), 5K, 10K, and 16K run. In Dapitan, Dela Cruz said the 16K run will be stretched to a 21K marathon.
The initial number of participants was pegged at 3,000 but it may increase when the demand also goes higher. The race fee ranges from P1,000 to P1,500 and the proceeds will go to what Dela Cruz said is a “West Philippine Sea educational campaign.”
During the race, booths will be set up showcasing “historical facts and current geopolitical issues” which also “reflects the beauty and significance of the West Philippine Sea.”
The fun run is supported by the National Task Force for West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) and the state-run Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
“In light of the emergence of fake news, disinformation, information manipulation from various sources here and abroad, unfortunately these disinformation tactics are being used by apologists, propagandists, and trolls to confuse the public. This is why we need events like this because this is an educational campaign,” NTF-WPS spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said.
He said participants to the running event may be transformed into advocates and champions of the country in fighting for the WPS.
“We aim to enlightened the public and raise awareness and fight fake news, misinformation and disinformation, and information manipulation,” he added.
PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Terriela said the “transparency” campaign implemented by the organization in relation to China’s aggression and coercive activities in the WPS has been proven effective as it moved private individuals to take action and help the government in keeping the public informed about the situation in the disputed waters.
“I hope more companies will be following the way, and think of their own gimmicks to support our President [Marcos] in intensifying the advocacy for the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said.