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1K Legazpeños join charity run for slain soldiers' kids

By Connie Calipay

November 25, 2019, 2:23 pm

<p><strong>HEROES' RUN</strong>. Participants in the 8th Heroes' Run are a spectacle at the Legazpi Boulevard in Barangay Dapdap, Legazpi City early on Sunday (Nov. 24, 2019). The event held in celebration of Bonifacio Day was intended to raise funds for the children of soldiers who died as they fought Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Jolo, Sulu last June. <em>(Photo courtesy of 9th Infantry Division)</em></p>

HEROES' RUN. Participants in the 8th Heroes' Run are a spectacle at the Legazpi Boulevard in Barangay Dapdap, Legazpi City early on Sunday (Nov. 24, 2019). The event held in celebration of Bonifacio Day was intended to raise funds for the children of soldiers who died as they fought Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Jolo, Sulu last June. (Photo courtesy of 9th Infantry Division)

LEGAZPI CITY -- At least 1,000 runners participated in a charity run here on Sunday that will benefit the children of soldiers who died in the line of duty in Jolo, Sulu earlier this year.

Army Maj. Ricky Aguilar, 9th Infantry Division spokesperson, in an interview on Monday said the 8th Heroes' Run was conducted simultaneously nationwide as part of the celebration of Bonifacio Day on November 30.

“Heroes' Run was also conducted in Taguig, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Baguio, Cebu, Tarlac, Cagayan De Oro, Catbalogan, Cotabato, Isabela, Bukidnon and Zamboanga Del Sur,” he said.

The activity held at the Legazpi Boulevard in Barangay Dapdap here featured four categories: 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K. It kicked off in front of the Legazpi City Fire Station around 5 a.m. after a lively Zumba dance.

Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad, Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) commander, in a separate interview said the proceeds of the event are intended for the education of the children of brave soldiers who offered the ultimate sacrifice by giving up their lives to maintain peace and protect the people in Jolo.

He was referring to the soldiers who died while fighting the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group last June.

"Alam kong hindi kailanman magiging sapat ang mga pinansyal at materyal na bagay na ito kumpara sa kanilang naialay para sa ating bayan. Subalit isa itong paraan para sila ay pasalamatan at kahit paano'y masuklian natin ang kanilang kabayanihan. Sa paglaan natin ng ating oras at panahon para makiisa sa aktibidad na ito ay mabibigyan natin ng pag-asa ang bawat pamilya ng ating mga sundalong nag-alay ng kanilang buhay upang patuloy na maitaguyod ang kapayapaan dito sa ating bayan, (I know that financial and material things will never suffice for their sacrifices for our country. However, this is one way of thanking them and repaying their heroism. In giving our time to join this activity, we will be able to give hope to the families of our fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives just to keep our nation's peace),” Trinidad, in his message, said.

He thanked all who helped in making the charity run a success.

Trinidad also expressed his confidence anew in achieving the goal of Executive Order 70 (EO 70) or the whole-of-nation approach which is to push the insurgency into its natural death through the unified movement of all government agencies in delivering efficient services along with the cooperation of the Filipino people.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Daniel Delatado, the winner in the 21K male category, said it was his first time to join the Heroes' Run which turned out to be fun and exciting.

As a son of a marathoner, Delatado has been running for two years now.

Winners received medals, certificates and cash prizes.

Ion Ramos, a two-year-old boy, was recognized as the youngest runner while Corazon Reginaldo, 72, was the oldest.

Participants who were not fortunate to win in the four categories were able to take home prizes in the raffle draw wherein the grand prize was a brand-new refrigerator.

Meanwhile, the 9th Infantry Division's (9ID) Spear Band provided entertainment to the crowd.

Heroes' Run is an annual event organized by the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc.-Philippine Army Chapter. (PNA)

 

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