In celebration of this year’s International Mother Earth or Earth Day which is commemorated every 22nd of April, over 200 runners from different organizations and the general public gathered in a running event organized by Manila Water and its Non-East Zone subsidiary Clark Water.

Dubbed as LAKBAY KALIKASAN: EARTH DAY FUN RUN 2024, the event was held at the CDC Parade Grounds in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, and aimed to demonstrate support for environmental protection and leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

Participants from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Region 3, Department of Agrarian Reform, Manila Water, Clark Water, Clark International Airport Corporation, SGV & Co. Tarlac State University, and other government and private organizations and partners ran for 3-km and 6-km distance along the stretch of the CDC Parade Grounds, a popular running venue in the Clark Freeport Zone.

This year’s theme, “Planet vs Plastics” is targeted to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040.

“According to an article published by Earth.org, 318 million tons of plastic are produced every year, while only 9% of plastics ever produced has been recycled. In the Philippines, we had the largest share of global plastic waste discarded in the ocean in 2019. Ang bansa po natin ay responsible sa 36.38% ng global oceanic plastic waste, (Our country is responsible for 36.38% of global oceanic plastic waste.)” says Peniel Andrei Luciano, Environmental Education and Information Unit Chief of DENR-Region 3.

“For DENR kasama ang mga local government units (DENR, along with the local government units), we implement the Solid Waste Management Act to provide a comprehensive solid waste management program and recently, the Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR Act that has been lapsed into law in 2022 which aims for a circular economy. The EPR Act holds manufacturers accountable for the entire life cycle of their products, encouraging sustainable practices.” he added.

The event is also part of Manila Water’s commitment to sustainability: understanding and responding to global environmental concerns on climate change and biodiversity loss through systematic efforts on adaptation and mitigation, and working in partnership with the communities, government, civil society organizations, businesses, investors, and other stakeholders to create awareness, advocate sustainable practices, and respond to critical social needs and pressing environmental issues.

“Earth Day is actually a reminder for everybody that we need to share in the commitment to protect the environment. Nararanasan na natin yung global warming, yung init, yung extreme conditions it’s here already (We are currently experiencing global warming, the intense heat, extreme conditions, it’s here already). With this, we must increase the forest cover. Second, we must reduce the use of plastics. Very proactive ang Manila Water in terms of environmental protection and the sustainability of our water sources. As a water service provider, we have to ensure that there’s enough supply for our customers.” shares Lyn Joceffin Zamora, General Manager of Clark Water.