July 07, 2024 - Over 7,000 Filipinos from various backgrounds participated in the "Takbo Para sa West Philippine Sea" held in Pasay City on Sunday. This high turnout, according to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela, reflects the strong support of ordinary Filipinos for the government's efforts in the WPS.
Tarriela hailed the event a success, stating that it also boosted the morale of the country's uniformed personnel from the PCG and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
"The fact that ordinary Filipinos are looking for ways to support our fight in the West Philippine Sea truly warms the hearts of our soldiers here in the Philippines," Tarriela said in an interview after the run.
"Takbo Para sa West Philippine Sea" is a joint project organized by RUNRIO Inc., the PCG, the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
The Pasay City leg marks the first of a three-part series. Cebu City will host the second leg on August 4, followed by Cagayan de Oro on September 8.
"Our goal for this activity is to raise awareness. We want to further spread the national government's efforts in upholding our fight in the West Philippine Sea," Tarriela explained when asked about the event's significance.
He added that other local government units (LGUs) are planning to organize their own versions of the "Takbo Para sa West Philippine Sea." Tarriela said this interest from LGUs "is already a positive sign" of the Philippines' unity regarding the WPS.
Tarriela emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and the government under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in addressing the challenges in the WPS. He assured the public that the Philippines will continue to defend its territories.