Army and Lyceum's "Takbo para sa Inang Kalikasan" a resounding success, lures 500 Aurora runners

MARIA AURORA, Aurora, August 29, 2012-Some 500 running enthusiasts from a cross-section of the province have taken part in the "Takbo para sa Inang Kalikasan" fun run initiated by the Lyceum of the East-Aurora (LEA), making the run-for-a-cause held last August 20 a resounding success.

          Jason De Asis, Lyceum's Dean of the Bachelor of Science for Entrepreneurship and the event's program director, said the fun run, which carried the theme: "One Spirit, One Advocacy, One Goal," showcased the green advocacy of various sectors, led by the school's twin campuses which spearheaded the fun run along with the Army's 48^th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion.

          The runners converged at the LEA Campus Saturday afternoon and sprinted to their respective three kilometer (3-K), five-kilometer (5-K) and 7-K routes at the starting signal of 48^th IB civil military office chief, Captain Rozzel Ticar and De Asis.

          Aside from the 48th IB, also participating in the event were provincial and barangay officials, members of the Maria Aurora Police Office, government employees, officials and staff from the National Statistics Office, Department of Health, volunteer health workers and students from the capital town of Baler and the central Aurora towns of  San Luis, Dipaculao and this town.

          The activity was highlighted by the opening of the 1^st “SAYAWIT” competition for the National Service Training Program (NSTP) students of both campuses of which De Asis is NSTP chief.

          De Asis stressed that the fun run seeks to bring into focus three popular advocacies. These, he explained, are in support of Republic Act (RA) 9729, otherwise known as the Philippine Climate Change Act; RA 9512, otherwise known as the National Greening Program and RA, 9710, or the Magna Carta for Women.

          He said these triple advocacies have a huge impact in the lives of the people.

          De Asis cited climate change which, he said, has caused uncertainties. "As we can see, climate change has brought us rains even during the summer months when it is supposed to be rain-free and there is sunshine during the rainy season. It's akin to the temperament of a woman who is sometimes fickle-minded," he quipped.

          De Asis said the Magna Carta for Women’s rights, authored by Sen. Loren Legarda, provides the necessary mechanisms to enforce and guarantee the realization of women’s rights as public servants.

          He said public office is no longer the domain of men. "In every sphere of our life, we see women as increasingly prominent and having a stake. We have women engineers, architects, mechanics, electricians and soldiers. Joking aside, I dread the day when someday we see women loggers and miners,” he said.

          De Asis said the management of Lyceum of the East, led by its President, Engr. Jaime S. Gose, is putting premium on the three advocacies which is why it tasked the NSTP to implement them.

          He also pointed out that the twin campuses intend to push foward environmental awareness through Republic Act 9512, otherwise known as "An act to promote environmental awareness through environmental education" wherein the Lyceum of the East formulated a parallel program and activity for the National Greening Program to foster patriotism and nationalism. (Manny Galvez)