SEVERAL government agencies and private entities launched Sunday a mini-adventure race project for the benefit of the Dr. Gerry Cunanan Mindanao Heart Fund Inc. of the Davao Medical Center.
The project, dubbed "Phoenix Race for the Hearts that Fuels Life," is set on March 24. The event also includes blood-letting activities.
During Kapihan sa PIA media forum, a memorandum of agreement was signed among the Davao Region Tourism Council (DRTC), Fer Production with BBD Management and Consultancy Services Inc., Phoenix Philippines Foundation Inc., Digilution, Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao, GMA Kapuso Channel, and the beneficiary organization.
"This is a mini-adventure race for pairs composed of a man and a woman whether they are friends, siblings, parent-child, sweethearts, or married couples," said DRTC chair Alma Uy, also wife of Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy.
Department of Health assistant secretary Dr. Paulyn-Jean Ubial welcomed the project as the city as well as the country is "always in need of blood donations."
"The fund that will be raised will allow Filipino heart patients to have access to world-class heart procedures," Ubial said.
The project was inspired by the call made by Ubial and Fer Production and BBD Consultancy worked with DRTC who has been wanting to also do a corporate social responsibility (CSR) work aside from its regular tourism activities but still with a touch of adventure such as the amazing race, said Araceli Ayuste of the Mindanao Tourism Council.
The coordinators explained the race has five check points or pit stops around the city center and from its registration fee of P500 per participant, the meals, race shirt, and race kit are covered.
Meanwhile, blood-letting activities will be held on March 22 and 24 at Gaisano Mall of Davao to be facilitated by the PNRC.
The race requires pre-registration by March 13, which is the orientation date at 9 a.m. at the Department of Trade and Industry conference room.
Forms can be downloaded from the website: www.racefortheheart.org.
The project includes support groups of the JCI Durian Chapter, Philippine National Red Cross-Davao Chapter, Marinatuna, Reliv, and One World Travel.
Race for the Heart is a major event of the Summer Fun in the Sun exhibit promoted during the Holy Week spearheaded by the DRTC and the Department of Tourism with Jonallier Events.