Despite monsoon rains brought by Typhoon Gorio, the City Government of San Fernando conducted the 4th Disaster Preparedness Run dubbed “SAFRUN” on July 30.
Some 300 runners not only from San Fernando but even other towns in Pampanga and as far as Metro Manila and Pangasinan competed in three race categories namely 3K, 5K and 10K.
Organized by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the activity is annually held in line with the celebration of National Disaster Consciousness Month now turned National Disaster Resilience Month.
“Ang pagkakaiba lang po dati nung NDCM pa sya, pinapaalam lang natin sa mga tao yung mga hazards na dala ng mga kalamidad. Pero ngayon na NDRM na, gusto natin na ma-involve sila sa paghahanda at matuto silang bumangon pagkatapos ng negatibong epekto na pwedeng idulot ng kalamidad, said CDRRM Officer Raymond Del Rosario in his speech. ”
Del Rosario also thanked all the runners who came despite the inclement weather. He said the local government hopes to attract more running enthusiasts in the coming years to further enhance the disaster preparedness and resilience of the participants, especially Fernandinos.
In an interview, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago commended the runners’ dedication and commitment to their sport that adheres to the city’s vision for a healthier and more resilient community.
“Ito po ay patunay lang kung gaano katatag ang mga Fernandino at kapwa natin Pilipino dahil hindi kayo nagpatinag sa sama ng panahon. Umaasa po ang buong syudad na sa pamamagitan ng ganitong programa ay lalo pa tayong maging handa na humarap sa ano mang klase ng kalamidad, Santiago added.
Meanwhile, the winners for the 3K male category were Ronnel Oranda (1st place), Marcelino Galang Jr (2nd place) and Ruben Nedroda (3rd place). For female category, the winners were 1st place Janice Patdu (1st place), Bea Bianca Nasal (2nd place) and Tricia Guinto (3rd place).
The first three finishers for the 5K male category were Charlie Dela Cruz (1st place), Alvin Castanares (2nd place) and Reynante Torio (3rd place). While, the female awardees were Cherry Doronila (1st place), Jennifer Patdu (2nd place) and Jessica Estolano (3rd place).
For the 10K male category the winners were Junel Gobotia (1st place), Kurt Jamar Lamparaz (2nd place) and Jomari Jovelo (3rd place). Awarded for the female category were Lyka Sarmiento (1st place), Katrina Pangan (2nd place) and Steffani Calilung (3rd place).
Special awards were also given to Jovie Villaganas (Early Bird), Jhun Lingat (Best in Running Outfit) and the 64 year old Arturo Pili (Oldest Runner).