Globe race to build homes, save nature

MANILA, Philippines - Over the years, the number of Filipinos who have considered running as a mainstream physical activity has increased dramatically. Not only it is good for the body, mind and spirit, but also has become a means to share joyous experiences and bond with friends and families.

Taking advantage of the sport’s popularity are several organizations that have organized running events to raise funds for their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

These include leading telecommunications provider Globe Telecom with its annual flagship running event Run for Home. This year, it is conducting the third installment of Run for Home on March 27 at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

“Many Filipinos have become conscious of their health, which is why a lot of people are into running. They don’t mind spending money to join races and compete with other runners so we saw this as an opportunity to further our advocacies. So aside from paying to compete and stay healthy, we are using a platform that is running as a means to assist in building homes for those in need,” says Ernest Cu, president and chief executive officer of Globe Telecom.

Funds generated by the Globe Run for Home 2011 will be distributed to various beneficiaries including the Haribon Foundation — a membership organization committed to nature conservation through community empowerment and scientific excellence.

“The Globe Run for Home 2011 is aimed at raising funds for housing development, which is why we partnered with Habitat for Humanity, Virlanie Foundation, and Gawad Kalinga. But aside from building homes, we also wanted to protect everyone’s home — our environment. It just makes perfect sense to partner with an environmental group like Haribon Foundation,” explains Cu.

According to Jesus Francisco, Haribon Foundation chairman, the organization encourages assistance from companies like Globe to fulfill its projects.

“We are very grateful to be among Globe’s beneficiaries. We know that organizing a race can help raise funds but we have limited resources to mobilize people for such an event. With Globe Telecom’s help, we are expecting not only to raise funds but also create awareness about our existence and the value of environmental protection to a greater number of people,” Francisco adds.

Upon registering, participants will be required to choose one organization-beneficiary they will support.

“Haribon Foundation is a perfect choice for those runners who are environmental advocates. Their assistance can help us educate more people about environmental protection and even nurture new advocates. We have been working to conserve nature and help ensure a more sustainable environment for over three decades now so they can be assured that we have the experience to do this especially with their help,” Francisco says.

“We encourage all competitive runners and those who want to try their first race to join the Globe Run for Home 2011. They can join the 21K at P1,050; 15K at P950; 10K at P850; 5K at P750; and 3K at P650. We also encourage ‘barkada’ of runners to join where groups of five registrants can get the fifth runner’s kit for free,” Cu says.

Cu adds that the kit includes the race singlet that is made of 100 percent recycled plastic PET bottles, a first among running events in the country. The runners also get the D-tag, Race Bib Number, Runpix analysis, PhotoVendo, and finishers’ medal for those participating in the 21K category.

Globe Telecom encourages all runners and enthusiasts to join the run and promises that participation will be totally worth it.

“It’s not just about caring for your health but joining the Globe Run for Home 2011 means caring for the welfare of others and the environment as well. That’s one way we can help in building a nation. Indeed, running has never been this fulfilling,” Cu says.

For online registration and other information on Globe Run for Home, visit www.globe.com.ph/run. Those who want to register on-site, registration is available at the fourth floor, Cinema Lobby of Greenbelt 3 in Makati City until March 20.