A total of of 188 runners of all ages from as far as Himamaylan City, Bacolod City, Silay City, Calatrava, La Carlota City of Negros Occidental and Dumaguete City, La Libertad, Guihulngan City and Canlaon City of Negros Oriental participated in the 1st Lapu-Lapu Invitational “Run for Peace” last Saturday in Guihulngan. {{more}}
Lt. Col. Ramil Bitong, commanding officer of the 11th Infantry Battalion who initiated the activity, said the fun run aimed to support the sports development program of the government and the Philippine Army as well as similar programs of the local government units.
Bitong, in a statement, said that sports, such as running, improves health and physical fitness and insulates the citizens particularly the youth from vices and bad influence of communist front organizations.
He also expressed his appreciation for the unprecedented turnout of participants, adding that “these people are here to express their support not only in helping us promote physical fitness but also to share in our advocacy for peace and prosperity here in Negros.”
A six-kilometer fun walk, participated by Bitong, Guihulngan police chief Sr. Insp. Carlos Lacuesta, Jimalalud police chief Insp. Dolger Germodo, soldiers from the Spearhead Division’s 33rd DRC, police personnel, and other sectors preceded the race, which started at the city’s bay walk.
Winners of the fun run are the following: Category A (3-Km run for ages 12 and below), Arlee John Ogatis (La Carlota City), 1st place; J-R Pionela (Dumaguete City), 2nd place; and Justin Tay Ticao (Silay City), 3rd place.
For Category B (5-Km run for the military and PNP), Pvt Marvin Borbon (33DRC), 1st place; Pfc Mguelito Perez (A Co., 11IB), 2nd place; and Pvt Daniel Diaz (33DRC), 3rd place;
Category C (5-Km Run Open for Women), Jennilyn Noblesa (Silay City), Ronalyn Jeligan (Calatarava) and Mereeis Ramirez (Dumaguete City), 1ST, 2nd and 3rd place, respectively;
Category D (15-Km Run Open for Men), Eric Panique, Rowel Helleza and Rommel Helleza, all of Himamaylan, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.
The Philippine Army has expressed hopes that through these types of activities they could reach out to a wider audience not only to promote wellness and physical fitness but also to help spread their advocacy of peace.
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