Around 300 employees of Davao City Water District ran from the DCWD Matina office to Barangay Matina Pangi last June 9, 2012 for their fun run activity themed “Takbo Para sa Kalusugan, Kalikasan, Kalayaan“. Aside from the actual run, another highlight of the whole event was the tree planting along the riverbank of Matina Pangi wherein a total of 600 Malibago and Mahogany seedlings were planted.
During the opening program, OIC-assistant general manager for administration Mildred G. Aviles welcomed and thanked all the runners for supporting the cause. She stressed that the activity is very instrumental in preventing another flood disaster from devastating lives citing the 2011 flood incident which greatly affected Brgy. Matina Pangi and Davao City in general.
Acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado also explained the relevance of the KKK theme in the whole event. “Aside from enjoying ourselves, this activity allows us to exercise which is really good for our health. The tree planting is also very instrumental in restoring the Matina Pangi riverbank which is also part of the watershed of Davao City as it helps replenish our aquifer. Lastly, this fun run is also our way of celebrating the 114th Independence Day of our nation. Thus, the theme Kalusugan, Kalikasan, Kalayaan,”Regalado said.
Winners for the male category include Romeo C. Masuela of the Engineering and Construction Department in first place, Dick O. Magdosa of the Production Department in second and Ariel M. Clenuar of the General Services Department in third. For the female category, first placer was Roxanne C. Sayago of the Human Resource Department (HRD), second placer was Ruth G. Jabines of HRD and third placer was Jade C. Veloso of the Corporate Planning Department.
For both categories, first placers received P1,500 and trophies, second placers got P1,000 and medals while third placers received P700 and medals.
Matina Pangi barangay captain Benjamin T. Badon was very thankful that the DCWD family has chosen his area for the benevolent cause. “They say that water is life. However, last June 28, 2011 we have witnessed how it can also be very destructive. That is why we are very thankful for DCWD for helping us plant trees along the river to lessen the possibility of another flood disaster from happening,”Badon said.
Closing the whole event was OIC-assistant general manager for operations Exequiel B. Homez who lauded everyone who participated. He challenged everybody to strive harder and to continue supporting and joining DCWD hosted fun runs and other events. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod)
