BONTOC, Mountain Province. The Philippine Red Cross’ Million Volunteer Run, the largest humanitarian run in the country, is back for its fifth season this December 8, 2019. Held every two years, MVR5 is a fundraising initiative that aims to sustain the operations of the Philippine Red Cross.
Particularly in Mountain Province, the Philippine Red Cross-Mountain Province Chapter, in partnership with the Sagada Municipal Tourism Council and the Hoyohoy Mountain Province Mountaineering and Environmental Initiatives Inc. will be staging the Million Volunteer Run 5 coupled with new adventure sports where participants can choose from.
First is the Sagada Heritage Trek on December 7. This trek connects the participants to the culture and nature of Sagada through an off the beaten path from the Anglican Church of St. Mary the Virgin at Poblacion to the Roman Catholic’s St. Joseph the Husband of Mary Church in Kilong.
The route initially passes through the Paytokan hanging coffins, Latang underground river, and Bokong Falls before snaking its way up to the Capinitan pine forest where it shifts eastward to Tokok viewpoint, Ganga limestone cliff and Ganga cave.
Registration fee is PhP750 inclusive of MVR5 singlet, drawstring bag and lunch.
Second, is the Hoyohoy River Tracing Adventure in Masla and Sumadel, Tadian on December 8. Here, participants are guaranteed of a wonderful river tracing experience that features many majestic waterfalls, turquoise natural pools, and rock formations along a 2.8-km span of the pristine Bas-ang River canyon.
Tadian Municipal Tourism Officer Lynber Gaya Micklay said that river tracing is an adventure sport like no other. “One needs to jump from rock to rock, climb wet surfaces and rock walls, and wade the waist-deep water to reach all the waterfalls”, she added.
Registration fee is PhP1000 inclusive of MVR5 singlet, drawstring bag, life vest and helmet, tour fees and lunch.
Last, is the Million Volunteer Run in Bontoc. There are three categories to choose from: the 5-kilometer fun run, 10-kilometer race and 21-kilometer race. The route is along the Bontoc-Kalinga Road.
Registration fee is PhP750 for the 5KM fun run, Php850 for the 10KM race and PhP1000 for the 21KM race inclusive of finisher medal, MVR5 singlet, race bib, drawstring bag and snacks.
“We are inviting everyone to join in either of the three events. You will not only enjoy but you will also be saving lives,” Event Coordinator Florita Sacgaca said.
The Philippine Red Cross has always been in the service of humanity for 72 years uplifting the dignity of the most vulnerable through its core services. “To continue this endeavor, we need to raise funds to have enough resources and that can be possible by joining in these activities,” PRC-Mountain Province Chapter Administrator Robert Pangod said.
Interested individuals may register at any of the following sites: Philippine Red Cross – Mountain Province Chapter, Poblacion, Bontoc; Lagalag Store, Casa Vallejo (ilalim), Upper Session Road, Baguio City; Hoyohoy Mountain Province Mountaineering and Environmental Initiatives Inc., Masla, Tadian; Municipal Tourist Information Center, Sagada; Municipal Tourism Office, Poblacion, Tadian; Big Dipper Inn and Ganduyan Inn, Sagada.** Riemon D. Balan-eg
