A total of 1,715 individuals participated in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)’s first ever Charity Run at the Makati Ayala Triangle on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
The 2024 PCSO Charity Run was held in celebration of the National Day of Charity, which also coincides with the Agency’s 90th anniversary.
Organized by RunRio, a renowned event management company specializing in athletic events, the charity run featured three distance categories—3 kilometers, 5 kilometers, and 10 kilometers—allowing participants of all fitness levels to join. The event aimed not only to foster physical fitness and mental well-being but also to promote a sense of unity, camaraderie, and community spirit among the attendees.
Those who took part in the run included PCSO officials and employees, partner institutions, other government employees, beneficiaries and stakeholders. The event was also opened to the public.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles delivered an inspiring keynote address before the run commenced and emphasized the significance of the event as a tribute to the spirit of charity. “It is my honor to welcome you all to the first-ever Charity Run of the PCSO in celebration of the now-annual National Day of Charity. Today, we woke up very early not just to bond with our loved ones, but to support the advocacies of the PCSO and the many charities and foundations across the country,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the charity run would become an annual tradition, saying, “Let’s all enjoy, support our fellow runners, cheer for one another, and most importantly, celebrate the act of giving.”
Adding to the festive atmosphere, 12 PCSO charity partners and foundations set up booths that showcased the charitable services they offer. This provided an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the work being done to support various causes in the Philippines, from health assistance to social welfare programs.
The awarding ceremony recognized the top three male and female runners in each category, with GM Robles leading the distribution of medals and prizes.
Being the first of its kind, the PCSO Charity Run has set a promising precedent, leaving participants and organizers optimistic about future events. According to GM Robles, the enthusiasm and support over the event indicate that the charity run could become a beloved annual tradition, further solidifying PCSO’s role in promoting health, wellness, and charitable causes across the nation.
