By Mary Rose Lucero
The Health Ministry of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa came to Rota to lead the Annual 5K Walkathon last Saturday, February 1, 2020. The said event was co-partnered by the Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja, which celebrated the Catholic Schools Week, San Francisco de Borja and the San Isidro Parishes. Despite the challenging rainy weather condition, more than a hundred energetic participants from different ages and sectors took the walkathon challenge.
Excited to walk, early bird participants were already at the assembly area as early as 5:30 am to start lining-up for the registration which started at exactly 6:00 am. Free shirts were given upon registration as the participants’ incentive. Fr. Rey Rosal, our Parish Priest, kicked-off the event with an invocation at 6:30am. To fuel more energy and excitement, Mrs. Mary Rose Lucero together with her 3rd to 5th grade students took the floor to lead the warm-up exercise and the Zumba, “Rain or Shine”, the participants started to walk at exactly 7:00 a.m.
At our final destination, in the ESFOB Campus, were the Rota Health Center staff and Department of Fire Emergency Medical Services (DFEMS) waiting to give free screening tests for blood pressure and glucose. After everyone had his tests, we shared the very delicious and healthy food and fruits prepared by the members of Board of Director, San Francisco de Borja and San Isidro Parishes. And for the most exciting part, each walker was given a raffle coupon. Great prizes surprised and wowed the winnersl
Damian Atalig, a fifth grader said, “It was fun walking in the rain and never felt it was a 5K walk. Zaijan Hocog added, “It was fun, and I was competing/racing with my classmate”. Marayna Castro also shared her experience saying: “It was Super fun!” Just like other walkers, Fr, Rey D. Rosal, our Parish Priest, also said that it was fun and that the walkathon itself builds the community and strengthens people’s relationship”. We could really see on the faces of the walkers that they really enjoyed walking while reminiscing their childhood memories playing in the rain.
Mrs. Carmen Atalig, ESFDB principal said: “The activity was indeed a success, it was one way of uniting our community together to grow in Faith and promote good Health”.
We are very thankful to the following for without them, the event would not be made possible: TSL Foundation and IT&E who have been among the major sponsors of the walkathon, Department of Fire Emergency Medical Services, Rota Health Center, Department of Cultural Affairs, Department of Public Safety, ESFDB Board members, Administration, Faculty, and Staff, Kalayaan, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Taisacan, Senator Terry Santos, Paterno Hocog & Elizabeth Mendiola, Mary Jean Nerizon, Lucy Mundo, Rosa Calvo, Ivy Hocog, Mr. & Mrs. Melchor Mendiola, Amron Jo Barcinas — NHS Rota High School, Tita A. Hocog, and Mr. & Mrs. Mikyll Matondo helped made the activity run orderly, smoothly, and safely.
It’s definitely a worth-experiencing event. It’s a walk to remember. See you next yearl
For more photos, check here.
