Thousands race in co-op advocacy run

Thousands of runners from some 300 cooperatives in the seven provinces of Central Luzon raced for a cause here on Wednesday during the “Cooperative Advocacy Run” that was held as part of the simultaneous nationwide celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC).

The event, organized by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in Region 3, drew around 17,000 registered runners who competed in two race categories.

CDA-Region 3 Director Manuel Mar said the activity “was intended to promote the four P’s: peace, prosperity, planet and people, in line with the theme of the IYC.”

He added that the advocacy run, which was part of the culminating activities of the IYC celebration, drew the active participation and support of all local government units in the region and proved rhe cohesiveness of the different cooperatives across the region.

Assistant CDA director Mildred Esguerra meanwhile said that they were very happy about the success of the event.

“The number of runners who participated in the advocacy run is a clear indicator of success,” she added, also noting that the activity served as a healthy bonding opportunity among cooperative officers and members.

Esguerra also thanked the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for providing the facilities for the event.
She said that organizers chose the Subic Freeport as venue because of the tourist attractions that the participants can visit afterwards.

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives, highlighting the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development, particularly their impact on poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Runners from various cooperatives in Central Luzon kick off an early morning fun run at the Subic Bay Freeport as part of the simultaneous nationwide celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives.