by: Mary Lailani Pitao-Tupaz
NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) – Under the Philiipine Red Cross (PRC)-Leyte Chapter, the province of Biliran held its lead off activity in joining the PRC-Million Volunteer Run3 (MVR3) introducing the principle of volunteerism among Biliranons as it prepares for a separate chapter.
Over 300 participants from the different national government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, and private establishments registered in its maiden step.
The five-kilometer fund run started at 5:00 o’clock in the morning of December 13, (Sunday) at the Biliran provincial capitol grounds in Brgy. Calumpang, Naval to P. Inocentes and Castin Streets to Brgy. Atipolo Higway as its turning point and back to the capitol grounds.
Sangguniang Panlalawagian Member Gerard Espina shot the ceremonial start gun to signal the start of the fund run.
To draw more participants and awareness of PRC’s entry in Biliran province, the PRC-MVR3 steering committee held a raffle for all registered participants and awarded winning participants in the competitions.
Winners in the fastest male finisher category were Dov Weinman (US Peace Corps Volunteer) – 1st Place; Lorenzo Daniela – 2nd Place; and Arianne Rosales – 3rd Place.
For the fastest female category, the winners were Ariana Nelsen (US Peace Corps Volunteer) – 1st Place; Elaine Paghubasan – 2nd Place; and Darlene Zafra – 3rd Place.
Both Weinman and Nelsen donated their cash prizes to the Philippine Red Cross-Leyte Chapter.
The oldest male finisher was Vic Bracamonte from Biliran, Biliran, and Lolita Darantinao of Naval as the oldest female finisher.
Randrew James Joson Guevarra, 12 years old, was awarded the youngest male finisher while the youngest female finisher was awarded to Janea Tupaz Pequeno, 5 years old, both of Naval, Biliran.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 8 OIC Regional Director Cedric Train joined Biliran in the nationwide simultaneous PRC-MVR3 and Jennylind Daya representing PRC-Leyte Chapter.
Flordeliza Trani, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer and Board of Director of PRC-Leyte, who also leads the Biliran PRC-MVR3 steering committee thanked all those who registered, volunteered and donated in the activity.
She also encouraged other kind-hearted individuals who have not joined in the lead off activity to share their time, talent, and treasure in the coming years especially when Biliran becomes a separate and independent PRC chapter.
The Red Cross organization is a worldwide institution sharing equal duties and responsibilities in helping communities and people in emergency situations regardless of race, nationality, religious beliefs, or political opinions, that they may be given access to care, food, shelter and hope in the spirit of volunteerism and generosity of donors. # (PIA 8 Biliran)
