Organizers expect huge field in ‘Run for Integrity’

MANILA, Philippines - Organizers of the “I Run for Integrity: I am Part of the Solution” hope to lure 5,000 participants from different sectors when the run-for-a-cause is fired off Dec. 12 event at the CCP Complex in Pasay City.

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) is staging the runfest in support of the Integrity Initiatives, a private sector-led campaign that aims to promote common ethical standards among all sectors.

Expected to participate are representatives and runners from government, business, youth, civil society, academe, church and media.

“We want to create more transparency from all sectors, create change, raise public awareness on integrity and become the solution. It’s a long-term commitment, and we hope that people become more engaged with this,” said Henry Schumacher, vice president of ECCP and the Integrity Initiative Inc. during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

“Transformation doesn’t come on a silver platter, so we have to work for it and become part of the initiative,” said Nato Agbayani of Globaltronics, who also appeared in the forum along with GMA Network’s Tere Pacis and Pasay Youth Development Council’s Adrian Martinez.

Events on tap are 3K, 5K, and 10K.

Registration fee is pegged at P550 and can be made at Chris Sports branches in Glorietta 3, Mall of Asia, Market! Market! and SM Megamall until Dec. 4.

Late registration is until Dec. 7 or until race kits last at the ECCP office in Makati.

Previous editions of the event were held in 2011 and 2012, respectively, where a total of 12,000 runners saw action.

In addition to the running event, the Integrity Initiative will also hold the fifth Integrity Summit on Dec. 9 at Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City.

Expected to attend are business leaders, anti-corruption and good governance experts as well as key representatives from the government, youth, academe, and other agencies.

Established in 2009 by the Makati Business Club and ECCP, the Integrity Initiative works on promoting an ethical business environment.