Over 10,000 join Zambales run for West PH Sea, coastal communities

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — More than 10,000 runners joined a fun run in San Antonio, Zambales, on Sunday, Oct. 11, to express support for the protection of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The run sought to raise public awareness of the WPS and the importance of protecting the country’s maritime domain and marine resources, including those that sustain fishing communities.

Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., one of the event’s advocates who joined the run, stressed the importance of raising public awareness of the WPS.

“This is not just about a map or territory. It is about the future of our fellow Filipinos, our dignity as Filipinos, and the future of the next generation,” Abalos said in an interview.

He said the initiative went beyond running, as organizers also looked into problems affecting coastal communities.

“What we are doing is not just running; we are also looking into the problems affecting coastal communities,” he added.

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In a separate interview, San Antonio Mayor Arvin Rolly Antipolo reiterated the importance of raising public awareness and fostering collaboration among the national and local governments, down to the barangay level, and the private sector to ensure the initiative’s success.

“This is about our future, this is about our economy, this is about our country,” Antipolo said. “We must all be aware of the importance of the West Philippine Sea because it belongs to us.”

The coastal municipality is home to communities whose livelihoods depend on the sea. Six boats are set to be distributed to local beneficiaries, with Abalos providing three and the San Antonio local government unit providing the other three.

Food packs were also distributed to some residents during the event, while officials inspected a damaged section of the coastal road.

The first leg of the Trilogy Run for the West Philippine Sea was held on Aug. 30 at Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. The series moved to San Antonio for its second leg on Oct. 11. /mcm

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