Mahintana Foundation has lined up a wide array of activities for the month of August as it celebrates its 40th Foundation Anniversary which mirrored its commitment of “Building Resiliency and Sustaining Development” to its assisted communities and project beneficiaries. In gratitude to the successful 40 years, a Thanksgiving service was held on August 4, 2017 at Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish Church officiated by Fr. Jhesreel Irish Calopez and attended by MFI and SRC staff and its partners.
Making the celebration more festive was the kick-off event “Takbo para sa Kalikasan at Kalusugan” Fun Run-for-a-cause held on August 5, 2017, which aims to promote health and wellness, awareness and consciousness and to support projects/programs associated with environmental protection, regeneration and conservation. All the proceeds collected will be used for rehabilitation and beautification of Purok Maria Rosa and enhancing health-seeking behavior of residents through massive Information, Education and Communication campaign activities on health.
Over 1,600 runners coming from donors, sponsors, partner organizations, cooperatives, academe and local stakeholders joined the Fun Run which covered a 5-kilometer route from Brgy. Cannery Gymnasium to the Municipal Gymnasium of Polomolok.
The event was officially opened by Mr. Carlos Baldostamon, SRC President, who was overwhelmed by the total number of participants who arrived at the assembly point early as 4 a.m. and expressed in his welcome message his appreciation to the organizers and volunteers who worked together making the event possible.
Before the actual Fun Run, the participants enjoyed a 10-minute warm-up Zumba workout led by Mr. Ronnie Guilaran of Unified Engineering Cooperative together with the MFI staff and some volunteers from partner cooperatives. The runners started the race the moment the starter’s horn sounded. They passed through 5 drinking and ribbon stations, each station located in different areas with an assigned MFI staff, medics team, marshal and security, and traffic enforcers.
After the run, the participants gathered at the Polomolok Gymnasium while enjoying their refreshments and snacks and later participated in another exhilarating Zumba dance routine.
During the program proper, messages of support were given by Kagawad Ireneo Cabahug, on behalf of the Municipal Mayor of Polomolok, Hon. Honey Lumayag-Matti; Ms. Leamor Banaga, Dolefil Community and Cooperative Relations Development Manager, and Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, South Cotabato Provincial Health Chief. They stressed, in their messages, the importance of supporting environmental stewardship through conservation and sustainable practices and upholding health-related programs and projects.
The top 10 runners who completed the race and made it first to the finish line were recognized and given certificates, tokens and cash prizes. Giveaways were also given to the first 40 runners. This was followed by the awarding of certificates to the partners recognizing their support and contribution, namely: Dole Philippines, Inc., MHO-Polomolok, Recon Crane, Polomolok Manpower Services Cooperative, LGU Polomolok, Tibud sa Katibawasan MPC, Unified Engineering MPC, Cannery MPC, Recon Pact, FARM MPC, Civil Service Unit-Polomolok, Kabalikat Radiocom, Polomolok Municipal Hospital, BLGU Cannery Site, PNP, HHMH, and Bureau of Fire Brigade.
(top photo) The participants enjoying the upbeat Zumba dance workout after the fun run; (center) Partners receiving their certificates of recognition; (lower photo) The top 10 runners together with the MFI top management and partners
For the closing message, Mr. Martiniano Magdolot, MFI President & CEO, expressed his heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for all the volunteers, cooperatives, LGU Polomolok and Brgy. Cannery officials, MFI & SRC staff who extended their assistance and for making the fund-raising event a success, considered as another remarkable accomplishment of the foundation.
