Globe Run4Home 2012 to benefit Cebu's biodiversity

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Run4Home 2012 solidifies the commitment of Globe Telecom to preserve nature, a home that is common to everyone, through a partnership with Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (CBCF.)                

Participants of this year’s biggest and most awaited run have the chance to contribute in saving native and endemic species and habitats of Cebu by simply choosing to run 3k, 5k, 10k, 15k, or 21k on March 25, 2012.

“We highly commend the great work of CBCF in protecting and preserving the unique biodiversity and endemic wildlife of Cebu,” says Yoly C. Crisanto, head of Globe Corporate Communications.

“Through Run4Home, we hope that Filipinos will have fun while cultivating a culture of environmental ownership and accountability. It is our biggest home, after all.”

Taking root 14 years ago, CBCF began conducting researches related to Cebu’s biodiversity, particularly on birds and then moving on to include reptiles, herbs, mammals, and trees. The results of its work became a breakthrough for Cebu’s natural heritage. They were recognized by the Preventing Extinction Program of the Birdlife International as the species guardian for the Cebu Flowerpecker. Unbeknownst to man this rare bird was believed to be extinct by early 20th century due to deforestation.

“CBCF has quietly worked for more than a decade on the conservation of rare species of flora and fauna. We’ve organized the community and now we are inviting everyone to participate in our program. We are very happy that Globe Telecom has chosen to work with us and has recognized us as one of their partners,” May Ybanez, founding president of Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, said.

Espousing a balanced ecosystem including humanity, CBCF also works hand in hand with a number of rural poor families in very remote areas of the province. They pioneered a “warden scheme” among natural forest occupants such as in Tabunan Forest, an environmentally sensitive area in the uplands of Cebu City. These families are organized, mentored, and taught by CBCF on how to nurture the already endangered environment that they live in.

“We believe that there’s a reason why people still exist in this forest area. Perhaps it is not true that to have livable forest, there should be no human being,” Ybanez pointed out.

To date, 14 forest stewards take charge of Tabunan while 23 forest wardens protect the Nug-as Forest in Alcoy, a fishing and quarrying town. Other forest conservation areas are slowly adapting the positive results of said scheme.

With the funds raised from Run4Home being channeled to assist in the work of CBCF, a simple running event is transformed into an opportunity to make great things possible.

Aside from CBCF, participants of Globe Run4Home 2012 will also be giving aid to the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Gawad Kalinga, and Habitat for Humanity.

Registration for Globe Run4Home is ongoing at Paseo de Ciudad, 1st level, Ayala Center, Cebu City and via www.globe.com.ph/run.