Limpag: Pia
MY driving force,” Sen. Pia Cayetano told a room of reporters and women leaders, “is to make life better for the people.”
By better, Cayetano, who is a triathlete, also meant healthier.
“The cheapest kind of healthcare is to have a healthy lifestyle,” she said during Monday’s press conference to launch this Sunday’s Pinay In Action (PIA) Visayas Leg.
Cayetano addressed reporters and women leaders in a press conference at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel shortly after biking from Cebu City to Danao City with Rep. Red Durano and Ironman Noy Jopson and triathlete Noel Salvador.
Cayetano said public officials also have a duty to be models of healthy and holistic living.
Although it is the first time a PIA race will be held in Cebu, Cayetano said her advocacy on women and health issueS have long reached the province. The senator also said that as early as the second year of the race, she wanted to bring it here in Cebu but lacked resources to do so.
Aside from the race, various booths that give information on women’s issues will be set up at the race venue in the Asiatown IT Park. Cayetano said she wanted the event to be a venue where women can discuss issues and link up with other women to work on their common concerns.
Cayetano said the event is not only for runners but also for people who have been affected by health issues that afflict women such as breast and cervical cancer.
“You cannot separate the athlete from the mother from the health advocate,” Cayetano said when asked to comment on concerns raised that the event is being used for her campaign.
It just happens, she said, “that the legislation I work on are the things that I am passionate about.”
Male runners are welcome to join provided they register with a woman.
“Running is a male-dominated sport and we wanted a run that will focus on women to encourage them to run and adopt a healthy lifestyle. That is why we are asking the male runners who want to join this Sunday to bring the women in their lives along. If before taga bigay lang sila ng towels, this time let them run,” Cayetano said.
The Cebu leg of the event is being organized by Kenneth Casquejo and Annie Neric.
The PIA run on Sunday will have three distances, 3K, 5K and 10K. Those who want to join can register at the Leonas’ Bakeshop in Mabolo, 2nd floor of the Ayala Active Zone and the Cebu City Sports Center.
(maxlimpag@gmail.com / www.CebuRunning.com )