Quezon City gets P.5 million donation for 'Ondoy'

MANILA, Philippines - A total of P500,000 has been added to the Quezon City government fund for the rehabilitation and assistance efforts in the wake of tropical storm “Ondoy” floods that recently ravaged many areas in the city.

Runnex, race manager of the recent first Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM), recently handed over to Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. a check worth P500,000 as donation for the victims of tropical storm “Ondoy.”

In his report to Belmonte, Runnex president Artemio Disini said the one-day event generated P22.5 million. Of the amount, P11.3 million came from the seven major sponsors and P11.2 million from other backers of the event.

Among the sponsors were San Miguel Corp., The Philippine STAR, GMA-7, SM, Robinsons Land Corporation, Ayala Land, New San Jose Builders. Inc., Puregold, Maxima, Nike, Salonpas, Timex, Manila Water, 100 Plus, Fitness First, and The Manila Times.

Mayor Belmonte thanked Runnex for the donation, saying the money would go a long way towards helping victims of “Ondoy”.

Disini said QCIM should have a second event due to its success in attaining international standard and a major race for the running community in the Philippines and the region.

“QCIM sets standard as an international marathon because of the full support of the city government for the event, scenic and challenging race route such as the La Mesa Dam and the northbound 8-lane Commonwealth Avenue, good financial model, largest international runners’ participation in the country, regional competitive cash prize, large number of participants totaling about 6,000 and latest electronic timing system,” Disini said.

He said that QCIM could further highlight QC as Asian City of the Future due to its great tourism potential and business opportunities.

In his recommendation to the mayor, the Runnex head said the second QCIM should be scheduled on Dec. 2010. However, he said that the announcement and marketing of the event should begin this December to attract more sponsorships.