DAVAO CITY – Nine-hundred eighteen senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities took part in one of the most inclusive community sporting events of the year, the PPP Seniors and PWD Fun Run 2025, organized by the Pulong Pulong ni Pulong Movement on Saturday morning, Dec. 13, at Davao City Coastal Road.

With the theme “Padayon Ta (Let’s Keep Moving Forward),” the activity promoted active aging, wellness, and social inclusion by providing senior citizens and PWDs a safe, accessible, and enjoyable running experience tailored to varying mobility levels.

Jay Villarica, chief of staff of Rep. Paolo Duterte, said the fun run reflects the office’s continued commitment to initiatives that prioritize health, dignity, and community solidarity.

“This event is about encouraging movement, confidence, and togetherness among our seniors and PWDs. Everyone deserves opportunities to stay active and feel included,” Villarica said.

Participants 73-year-old Merlyn Palabrica and 78-year-old Ligaya Petero, both residents of Barangay Duterte in Agdao, expressed joy and gratitude for being part of the event.

“This isn’t about winning,” Petero said in the local dialect. “What matters is enjoying an event meant for senior citizens and PWDs like us. We’re grateful and hopeful there will be more activities like this in Davao City.”

The race started at 5 a.m., with runners flagging off from several points, including Bago Aplaya Park, Talomo Junction, and Talomo Bridge.

Medical teams, ambulances, and wheelchairs were strategically deployed on the route to ensure participant safety and well-being.

All runners received free registration, race singlets, meals, souvenirs, and timing chip-enabled race bibs.

Participants were required to submit medical certificates and clearances from their doctors before joining.

Families, friends, and supporters lined the route to cheer on the runners, while non-runners participated in photo-and reel-making contests to document the event's highlights.

A visible message during the run, “Bring Rody, A True Dabawenyo, Home,” reflected continued public support for former President Rodrigo Duterte, whom Villarica said remains deeply connected to Davao City’s identity.

Davao City second district Rep. Omar Duterte, who attended the event, thanked participants for the strong turnout.

“Thank you for joining. Many more wanted to participate, and we will continue organizing activities that strengthen health and unity in our community,” Omar said.

Rep. Paolo Duterte said the initiative underscores the importance of uplifting vulnerable and often underserved sectors by giving them visibility, meaningful participation, and sustained support.

He expressed appreciation for the continued public support for the Duterte family, noting that former President Duterte regularly asks for updates about the people and the city of Davao.

The fun run featured multiple categories designed to accommodate different ages and mobility levels, including the Super Seniors 5K Run, the Super PWD 5K Wheelchair Division, the Seniors 3K, the PWD Able-to-Run 3K, and a 2K Assisted PWD/Senior category.

Race results

For 2K – Wheelchair Assisted (WA)

First – Ecangeline Nogmanao

Second – Epenito Saniel

Third – Aidan John Grino

For Super Seniors – 5K

First – Reynaldo Sumalinog

Second – Ricky Blanco

Third – Ariel Villamor

For Super PWD – 5K

First – Antonio Castanol

Second – Aldrin Escobal

Third – Wilfredo Diangco

For Seniors – 3K (Male)

First – Antonio Maluya

Second – Reynaldo Dizon

Third – Noe Almagro

For Seniors – 3K (Female)

First – Lani Lagdamen

Second – Rachel Amuala

Third – Evangeline Pitao

For PWD – 3K (Male)

First – Abe Macario

Second – Kevin Earl Pantaleon

Third – Wendell Rabanuel

For PWD – 3K (Female)

First – Athena Mae Bitacura

Second – Femie Lacaser

Third – Jellian Garrido

Organizers said the success of the PPP Seniors and PWD Fun Run 2025 reinforces the growing call for more inclusive sporting and wellness programs across Davao City.