Freedom Run fights against corruption

By:Shylynne D. Castillo

More than being a motivation for health and fitness, running has become a trend in the Philippines. Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Philippines (FNF), a German political organization, took advantage of this interest to advance a cause and create public awareness about being free from corruption.

Now on its third year, Freedom Run 2013 is a part of FNFs Its All About Freedom campaign that hopes to translate the complex concept of freedom into everyday language. With the theme I am free from corruption, the run aims to brace and uphold Filipinos call for a corrupt-free country. It is expected to engage at least 4,000 freedom runners on Nov. 10 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

The three to 10-kilometer advocacy run will be from 5:30 to 8 a.m. The runners shall assemble at the Quezon Memorial Circle Promenade at 5 a.m. for a brief orientation and warm-up exercises. The post-race program and awarding ceremony will follow after the race. Registration is until Nov. 3.

FNF country director Jules Maaten said, After the pistol is fired, runners not only run as runners who aim to finish the race, but more importantly, they run as proactive Filipinos who carry with them the solutions to curb the systematic problems of corruption. At the finish line, thats when they will proudly say, I am free from corruption.

Joining the race are Senator Bam Aquino, Camarines Sur Third District Representative Leni Robredo, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, actor and YesPinoy Foundation founder Dingdong Dantes, singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon, and Lea Navarro, among others. It will also be participated in by private organizations, civil society and the youth.

Freedom Run project head Pauline Sanchez said the event has already encouraged more than 15,000 runners all over the country to race for good governance, environmental responsibility, and for honest and clean elections. It has been brought to provinces such as Agusan del Norte, Quezon, and Leyte.

In 2011 and 2012, about 30 government offices, including the Office of the President, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Health brought 50 to 100 runners from their respective organizations. This year, the foundation expects it to be bigger.

Witnessing a great number of people joining the Freedom Run both in Metro Manila and in the provinces is a proof that Filipinos have always that burning desire to be free from corruption. It is an honor for FNF to create that opportunity, that space, for Filipinos to express their freedom and to create a new culture where they are free from corruption and poverty, shared Maaten.

Moreover, former Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan, chairman of the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, hopes that the run will give ordinary Filipinos the opportunity to show that they are one with the governments fight against graft and corruption.

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Freedom Run fights against corruption