Busitu, Nillyguin top Marikina run

MANILA, Philippines - Michael Busitu and Emily Nillyguin ruled their respective divisions in the centerpiece event and led the winners in the Takbo Para sa Marikina Watershed in Marikina City yesterday.

More than 3,000 runners took part in the advocacy run with Busitu posting a 32:13-minute clocking to top the 10K division while Nillyguin clocked 48:23 minutes to clinch the women’s crown in the event hosted and organized by the city government of Marikina through Mayor Del de Guzman in cooperation with the Rotary Club of District 3800.

“Thank you so much to all of you who ran, donated, and participated in our advocacy. With your support, rehabilitating our watershed is truly possible,” said De Guzman.

In other results, Vincent Nicoyco and Pamela Mae Marcelo took the 3K crowns in 11:54 and 15:16, respectively, while Ika Jomao-As and April Quiambao dominated the 5K race with clockings of 19:27 and 26:23, respectively.

Honorato Ednilag Jr., 73, was declared  the oldest runner while eight-year old Jhonrey Romero was named youngest runner. Each took home P1,000 and gift packs from sponsors.

“The Takbo para sa Marikina Watershed raises funds for our rehabilitation efforts. The Marikina Watershed acts as first line of defense against flooding during typhoons or monsoon rains. We were able to plant some 70,000 trees in the past three years. However, that is not enough because we need 28 million trees planted for the watershed to be effective,” De Guzman said.

Proceeds of the event will go to the tree-planting and Marikina Watershed protection programs under the Marikina Watershed Green Foundation, Inc.

Other backers of the event were BDO Foundation, Armscor, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), PDRF, Coats Manila Bay, Smart, Manila Water, San Miguel Beer, Ortigas & Co., One Meralco Foundation, Mr. Danny Chua of Rotary Club of Marikina West, Rapid City Realty and Development Corporation, PLDT and  Roger Py.

Donors include Rizal Metro Lions Club, Uratex, Philexport, Marikina Valley Host Lions Club, Security Bank, Deloitte, Asalus/Intellicare, Motolite, Cresto, and ALC.

Other supporters were Sandwich band’s vocalist Raymund Marasigan, actress and PBA courtside announcer Erika Padilla, and Callalily band’s vocalist Kean Cipriano who volunteered to help the city government of Marikina in inviting the public to join the advocacy.