The Sagip Ilog Pilipinas Movement launches the Save Philippine Rivers Campaign with Alpha Phi Omega-UP Chapter during the Great Oblation Run.
“We wanted to launch the campaign with a bang and we are glad that APO has adopted the advocacy for the protection and rehabilitation of our rivers, as their own. It is interesting how this much-awaited annual event turned out with this advocacy as a twist for this year’s run,” Myrna Jimenez, SiPM Executive Director said.
Indeed, the public noticed the different mood in the run this year, as the runners exposed ‘the other naked truth’. Now on its 34th year, it is the first time that the Oblation Run solely carried an environmental issue. There were mixed reactions among the hundreds of spectators. For some the twist was totally unexpected, but a welcome change.
“We know that the public will be all eyes on this event today, and we want to show them another naked truth. The sorry state of rivers and our water bodies in the country. We hope that Filipinos will be one with us in our cry to save Philippine rivers,” stressed Giovanni Bautista, APO-UP Chapter Grand Chancellor.
One of the highlights of the event was a MOA signing between SiPM and APO. The agreement laid out APO’s engagement in SiPM projects that will carry the Save Philippine Rivers slogan, one of which is support to the Save Diliman Creek.
Alternative musician and Ambassador for the Save Philippine Rivers Campaign Noel Cabangon rendered a few songs after the program, just before the actual run. Actor/Comedian Leo Martinez graced the stage as the program’s emcee.
The 122 Green Scholars of SiPM also joined the event and carried banners with the call. They also took part in the APO-SiPM float for the Annual Lantern Parade, which took place in the afternoon.
Sagip Ilog Pilipinas Movement evolved from Sagip Pasig Movement as the NGO expands its work towards all other river systems in the country. The River Basin Control Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported that the country has 20 major river basins that have to be prioritized for protection and rehabilitation.
The Save Philippine Rivers Campaign is being implemented by SiPM, in partnership with DENR-RBCO, the Earth Day Network Philippines (EDNP),and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP).
