Singson to host first leg of Phl water runs

MANILA, Philippines - In a bid to strengthen his advocacy for clean, drinking water, Rep. Ryan Luis Singson will host the first leg of the Philippine Water Runs on Sept. 18 in Vigan City.

The multi-leg running event aims to promote awareness on the importance of water and raise funds to provide access to clean drinking water for Filipino families without sustainable sources.

“I recognize the fact that access to clean water is not just a basic necessity. It is in fact a human right. The Water Runs are a big boost to my Clean Water Program in Ilocos,” said the Ilocos Sur first district representative.

Singson, when he was still vice mayor of Vigan before being elected as lawmaker in a recent special election, regularly sends trucks carrying purified water to various barangays in Vigan.

What makes the run special is the partnership with the United Nations-Millennium Development Goal 1919 Philippines, whose advocacy is the provision of clean, drinking water to Filipinos.

“We are happy to work with UN-MDG Philippines. We are one in the advocacy that it (water) is a basic human right that everyone should have access to,” said Erwin Po, founder of the organizing Veepo Global Resources. “Our main objective is to make innovative technologies available to everyone, especially to people who need them most.”

Veepo is the country’s exclusive distributor of Lifestraw, a brand of portable water filter that was used by Unicef in its humanitarian efforts in Africa and other Asian countries.

Also providing support is Kaakbay sa Kalikasan, a non-government organization that promotes the preservation of natural resources, especially in areas with water sources.

The next stops of the runs will be held in Naga City, Quezon City, Marikina City, Cebu and Davao. More areas will be covered as more Local Government Units have expressed their intention to host a leg, making the Water Runs a year-round program.

The event, organized by E-Ventologists, is sponsored by Jockey Sportswear, Royal Sporting House, Permanet, Polygreen Technology & Resources and Fame Plastic Products. It is open to all running enthusiasts in various categories, namely 3K, 5K and the 12 respectively.