PASAY CITY, — Over 7,000 runners participated in the Manila leg of the “Takbo Para sa West Philippine Sea, Ang Yaman Nito ay Para sa Pilipino” (Run for the WPS, Its Resources are for the Filipinos) on Sunday, showcasing a united front for Philippine territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea.
The estimate was provided by the Philippine National Police Maritime Group. The event, held at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, was organized by Runrio Inc. – an events management company – together with the National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) as well as with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Presidential Communications Office (PCO), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
Beyond a race, the run aimed to raise public awareness and garner support for the West Philippine Sea advocacy. Participants of all skill levels chose from a 16k, 10k, 5k, or 2k route.
The event also highlighted public-private and inter-agency collaboration in promoting and protecting the Philippines’ national interests.
Following the race, activities focused on unity, health, and West Philippine Sea advocacy continued, solidifying the message of solidarity and national pride.
Some runners, who also posted on their social media, expressed their support online with the hashtag #WestPhilippineSea. Posts included:
“Takbo Para sa West Philippine Sea! Ang yaman nito ay para sa Pilipinas. (Its riches belong to the Philippines.) Joined an advocacy run to create awareness…” – Pat Sazon
“Pray for the Philippines! Takbo para sa West Philippine Sea, Atin Ito! There’s a need for all of us to come together. With the situation in the West Philippine Sea, God wants us to be part of the solution… Together, let’s uphold our nation’s sovereignty and maritime rights…” – Jer Cy
Proceeds from the event will fund a West Philippine Sea education campaign, including a comic book project titled “Ang mga Kuwento ni Teacher Jun” that explains the issues and the 2016 arbitral ruling.
This nationwide advocacy run series will hold future legs in Cebu City and Cagayan de Oro.
“This isn’t just another run; it’s a rallying call for unity, resilience, and action,” said Thirty One Million, a social media movement.
PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the National Task Force West Philippine Sea, thanked participants and emphasized the fight’s importance for future generations.
He urged Filipinos to combat fake news and support the cause.
“Ang pinakamahalagang nais ko pong mensahe sa inyo, gusto ko pong maintindihan at malaman ninyo na ang laban ng West Philippine Sea ay hindi lamang laban ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos. We are very lucky that we have a President who is standing up now for our sovereign rights, sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said.
(The most important message I want to give you is that I want you to understand and know that the fight for the West Philippine Sea is not only a fight being waged by President Bongbong Marcos. We are very lucky that we have a President who is standing up now for our sovereign rights, sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.)
“Ang laban ng West Philippine Sea ay laban ng bawat Pilipino. At ang yaman ng West Philippine Sea, ay para sa Pilipino,” he added.
(The fight for the West Philippine Sea involves every Filipino. And the wealth of the West Philippine Sea, is for Filipinos.) (JCO/PIA-NCR)
