THE city government of Marikina, through Mayor Del De Guzman, expressed its gratitude to all participants and runners, who have made Takbo para sa Marikina Watershed a success with a record-breaking field of more than 3,000 runners.
“Thank you so much to all of you who run, donated, and participated in our advocacy. With your support, rehabilitating our watershed is truly possible,” De Guzman said.
This year’s Takbo para sa Marikina Watershed had 3K, 5K, and 10K categories. These categories were dominated by Vincent Nicoyco (11:54) and Pamela Mae Marcelo (15:16) in the 3K category; Ika Jomao-As (19:27) and April Quiabao (26:23) in the 5K category; and Michael Busitu (32:13) and Emily Nillyguin (48:23) in the 10K category.
Seventy-three-year-old Honorato Ednilag, Jr. was declared as the oldest runner, while eight-year-old Jhonrey Romero was named the youngest runner. They received freebies from sponsors and P1,000 cash prize each.
“The Takbo para sa Marikina Watershed raises funds for our rehabilitation efforts. The Marikina Watershed acts as first line of defense against flooding during typhoons or monsoon rains. We were able to plant some 70,000 trees in the past 3 years, however that is not enough because we need 28 million trees planted for the watershed to be effective.” De Guzman said.
Organized by the city government of Marikina in partnership with Rotary Club of District 3800, the advocacy run’s proceeds will go to the tree planting and Marikina Watershed protection programs under the Marikina Watershed Green Foundation, Inc.