THE  'BIG RACE'  FOR  REHABILITATION  OF  PASIG  RIVER

MANILA, March 3, 2005 (STAR) DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda  -  Successful was the first-ever international sporting event, the Philippine Marathon for the Pasig River (PMPR) held last week.

"This marathon wouldn’t have been possible if not for the support and cooperation of a number of well-meaning people and organizations," the chair of the Clean and Green Project, former First Lady Amelita "Ming" Ramos, pointed out during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the global sporting event held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati a few days before the big race.

Mrs. Ramos said that "the more people we can involve in the rehabilitation of Pasig River, as well as in other environmental campaigns, the better."

That is the main reason why Mrs. Ramos invited swimming champ and former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) head Eric Buhain and volleyball dynamo and sports commissioner Tisha Abundo to co-chair the marathon. Pioneering marathon man and Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) secretary general Ben Silva Netto also joined Mrs. Ramos’ Dream Team for the PMPR.

Mrs. Ramos similarly acknowledged the invaluable assistance extended by corporate sponsor and presenter, Samsung Electronics, a leading company not only in Asia, but also in the whole world. "There is an undeniable connection between the environment and the pursuit of good health through sports programs," Mrs. Ramos reiterated. And Samsung as a corporation has always been concerned with and active in both environmental projects and sports activities. In fact, Samsung has always supported the Olympics and the Asian Games.

Samsung’s incoming president and CEO Hyuck Jae Shim and vice president for marketing Maeng Dal Bae repeated Samsung’s unwavering support for environmental and sports projects during the signing of the MOU.

"As a corporation, we always strive to contribute positively to the countries where we do business," Shim affirmed. "It’s part of our advocacy to take part in such noteworthy projects because we firmly believe that by taking care of the environment, we are taking care of the future."

As they say, the environmental cause allows the present generation to leave a lasting legacy to their children: That is, a brighter tomorrow.

According to Samsung’s website: "Samsung takes active strides to achieve the betterment of society in a global scale…that it is (also) a proud sponsor of sporting events around the world. Our (corporate) Philosophy focuses on camaraderie, achievement and unity by supporting individuals and teams from across the globe."

President Shim confirmed that when Samsung was first approached to support the Philippine Marathon for the Pasig River, they didn’t have to think twice. "It’s because we have always had very cordial relationships with former First Lady Ramos and former PSC chair Buhain."

Moreover, the overall mission of the Philippine Marathon for the Pasig River is consistent with Samsung’s corporate vision. "We possess a young, vibrant, dynamic and powerful corporate image," Bae noted. "And through this marathon, we would be able to convey this message effectively. We are also very open to all kinds of social projects — especially those that deal with the environment and sports."

This is precisely what makes the Philippine Marathon for the Pasig River different from other world-famous events like the Boston and New York marathons. It is not just he usual sporting competition; it also espouses a vital cause: Saving the Pasig, which is an important waterway in our country’s past, present and future. "This advocacy run aims to inspire both Filipinos and foreigners to help in the rehabilitation of Pasig River," Buhain said. "Maybe someday we will not only run along the river, we will even swim in it and hold kayak, rowing and dragon-boat races on it."

"Through the years, the Pasig River has suffered, serving as dumping ground for garbage and industrial wastes," Abundo noted. "It must be saved."

In pursuit of popularizing the cause of the Pasig (and in order to make the whole world aware of its significance), the Clean and Green movement has opted to make the Pasig River Heritage Marathon, which has been ongoing for the past four years, an international sporting event. Thus, the PMPR was born. The international event covered all 42 kilometers of the river and crossed 11 of the 13 historic bridges of the Pasig. It started in the famed Walled City of Fort Santiago and culminated in the booming Global City of Fort Bonifacio.

The PMPR is now considered a world-class event–after receiving accreditation from both the US-based Association of International Marathons and Road Races (AIMS) and the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF).

Mrs. Ramos, who is the president of the Philippine Badminton Association, realizes the importance of encouraging Filipino athletes to aspire for world-class recognition. Being a national badminton champion herself, Mrs. Ramos understands fully well that sports and the environment cause are inextricably linked, as expressed by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

"Sports is closely connected to nature," she said. "To have healthy bodies, we need a healthy environment."

And that is a cause that Samsung also believes in fervently.