Gov. Baricuatro eyes international Governor’s Zero Hunger Run
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Buoyed by the success of the first Governor’s Zero Hunger Run, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro is setting her sights on a bigger and possibly international edition next year.
During the awarding ceremony on Sunday, August 2, at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Grounds, Governor Baricuatro said that she hopes to turn the event into an annual fixture.
She wants the event to eventually attract international participants. Its successful debut drew about 3,500 runners despite two other running events taking place in Cebu on the same day.
“My dream for the Governor’s Zero Hunger Run is not just to make it an annual event. I’m hoping to make it an international event next year. I hope it becomes a reminder to build a healthier Cebu, where no one is left behind and no one is hungry,” Baricuatro said.
Zero Hunger Run’s unique offers
True to its “Zero Hunger” theme, the run gave participants a unique race experience.
Municipalities and component cities of Cebu Province set up food stations along the route, offering their signature delicacies to runners. At the finish line, participants received breakfast meals.
READ MORE: Torregosa, Chepsiror rule inaugural Governor’s Zero Hunger Run 21K races
Non-winning participants also had a chance to take home prizes through a raffle that featured two brand-new scooters, televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, smartphones, smartwatches, and cash prizes.
Beyond promoting fitness, the event supports the province’s food security initiatives while helping fund grassroots sports development through the Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC), the governor said.
A race with a purpose
“Whether you ran the 21K or the 1K, all of you crossed the finish line that matters. This race was about more than medals. It was a race with a purpose, the first Zero Hunger Run in the Philippines,” she said.
Baricuatro described the event as the realization of one of her long-held advocacies.
READ ALSO: 3,500 runners set to join first Governor’s Zero Hunger Run
“This is truly a dream come true for me. Zero hunger has always been my advocacy. Mother Teresa once said, ‘If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.’ Bono also said that eliminating hunger requires everyone to get involved. I’m grateful to everyone who joined because you care about the situation in Cebu.”
“By running today, you not only invested in your health but also helped families in need, our farmers, our fisherfolk, and strengthened our food security. Thank you for believing in this advocacy. Fighting hunger has always been close to my heart,” Governor Baricuatro said.
Helping alleviate hunger
Baricuatro added that the event generated more than ₱2.9 million in registration fees, which she described as a significant milestone for the initiative.
CPSC Chairman Dr. Rhoel Dejano said that the proceeds will help fund the commission’s grassroots sports programs while supporting the governor’s Zero Hunger campaign.
“We have to carefully manage our finances and determine how much we can allocate to projects that will help alleviate hunger, and that’s the direction we’re taking. The event satisfied the runners, who found it well-managed, smooth, and organized. Of course, there was plenty of food,” Dejano said.
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