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Thousands take ‘big leap’ vs climate change in Earth Day run


Almost 5,500 participated in National Geographic’s fun run on Sunday morning to raise awareness on climate change and help build disaster-resilient communities that can withstand catastrophes similar to Ondoy. Hundreds died and thousands lost their homes in the worst floods the country had seen in 40 years when tropical storm Ondoy struck the Philippines last year. Dubbed Earth Day run, the event was held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City and kicked off celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22. It had six divisions — three-kilometer, five-kilometer, and 10-kilometer runs for men and women.

Runners help raise awareness on climate change by participating in the Earth Day run that aims to "inspire people to care about the planet." Sophia Dedace
"We need to find something to convey our message and to get people to participate. But this is just the beginning in inspiring people to care for the planet. It’s more of a project to help create communities that will withstand the effects of climate change," Jude Turcuato, Philippine territory director of National Geographic Channel Asia, told GMANews.TV. Turcuato said National Geographic would use the fun run’s proceeds to create a documentary for Design Against the Elements, a global contest for architects to design a green and disaster-resistant housing community in Taguig City — one of the areas devastated by Ondoy last September. Illac Diaz, founder of MyShelter Foundation, said the Earth Day run’s objective veers from the common initiatives against global warming, which usually call for the reduced carbon dioxide emissions. MyShelter is one of the proponents of Design Against the Elements. "We want to address the cycle of destruction and reconstruction. It’s about how we build better homes, especially for the poor communities that find it harder to adapt to disasters. We’re not putting emphasis on carbon emission, but climate change adaptation," said Diaz, who was named a "Young Global Leader" by the World Economic Forum in Geneva, Switzerland in 2008. Diaz added that Sunday’s fun run was not just the first step towards building sustainable communities. "It’s also a big leap for everyone who participated," he said.
Thousands join National Geographic's Earth Day run at the SM Mall of Asia on Sunday. Sophia Dedace
Jeremiah Paul Hernandez, a young professional who frequently participates in fun runs, said the National Geographic activity was more meaningful. "Even if it’s much more expensive than other fun runs, it’s more inspiring because I’m not just doing this for myself, for my fitness, but I’m doing this to help the earth," he said. Present at the fun run was actress and singer Karylle Tatlonghari, who placed second in the three-kilometer run for women. Twelve-year-old Michelle de Vera bested hundreds of female runners when she placed first in the five-kilometer run for women, clocking in at less than 16 minutes. Erimo Rachim from Antipolo City placed first in the men’s 10-kilometer division, finishing at 33 minutes and 52 seconds, while Michelle Gilbuerna was the champion in the women’s division. — NPA, GMAnews.TV
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