Fun run for ‘Pablo’ victims

THE local government of Opol town in Misamis Oriental successfully held its first ever fun run last Sunday.

Over 10,000 participants from the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro joined in the three-kilometers (3K), 5K and 10K categories all with one aim –- to help the survivors of typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental.

At the end of the event, Gerald Zabala and Jennifer Paloma each received P5,000 for winning the 10K men and women category, respectively, while Glen Sandianao and M Raagas each received P3,000 for winning second place.

Jeffrey Sotto and Stephanie Pumatong also received P2,000 each for landing in third place in the 10K category.

For the 5K category, the winners are Paul John Beduay and Rosie Edosma in first place. They received a medal and P3,000 each plus freebies while Brian Antero and Khendy Veliente were the second placers and Rey Agawin and Coleen Jandayan in third place.

For the 3K category, the winners are Ceasar Javier and Janeth Ellovido for the men and women category who each received P2,000 while Carlo Mabalo and Raga Magandia landed in second place while Henry Rosales and Popin Gomez were in third spot.

All the runners did not go home empty handed as they were given snacks and freebies thru a raffle.

Opol Mayor Dexter Yasay said he was overwhelmed of last Sunday’s activity, saying he did not expect the huge turnout of participants.

Yasay said the fun run has raised around P50,000, which will all go to the victims of Pablo.

“The local government will double that amount to buy canned goods, water and medicines for the typhoon victims. This is our way of paying back to those towns in Davao Oriental which helped us during ‘Sendong,” he said.

“Now, it’s our turn to give back the favor,” he added.