The Intl. WeLoveU Foundation launched the first worldwide relay walkathon in the Philippines. After the 20th walkathon in Seoul, Korea, on May 6, 2019, the 21st New Life Family Walkathon was held at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, Philippines on May 26. More than 2,900 people, including the WeLoveU members from Metro Manila, the president and officials of the Quezon City Council, and representatives of volunteer organizations or companies participated in this event. The funds raised through this event will be used for tree planting, assistance for disaster victims, and educational support.
The Walkathon Commenced Outside Korea for the First Time
The New Life Family Walkathon, which is one of the WeLoveU’s annual charity events, has expanded into a worldwide relay walkathon. At the 20th New Life Family Walkathon held in Korea on May 6, the WeLoveU announced its “Save the World” vision for humanitarian services. Furthermore, to proclaim the “Save the World” project to the whole world and to encourage people to join the event, the WeLoveU hosted the worldwide relay walkathon.
The members in Metro Manila were excited to be part of the WeLoveU’s first worldwide relay walkathon. At 9 a.m., the walkathon commenced with the Philippine National Police Marching Band on the campus of Sunken Garden. After the WeLoveU members’ choir and dance performances, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation Quezon City Chapter Manager Choi Jeong-man made an opening speech, and Senator Cynthia Villar delivered her congratulatory speech.
The Worldwide Relay Walkathon With a Vibrant Atmosphere
The WeLoveU members celebrated the beginning of the worldwide relay walkathon and agreed with the Chapter Manager Choi’s message that it is important to carry out volunteer services with the heart of a mother. Smiling brightly, the members walked in groups with their families or acquaintances. The procession of members in blue T-shirts walking beside the green trees reminded the participants of the clean and healthy earth.
Several members carried placards that read, “I am because of you” and “When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves” to express the purpose of the worldwide relay walkathon—saving neighbors, humankind, and the earth. The walking course was 2.2 km [1.37 miles] long. Those who finished the course enjoyed side events such as a photo zone and panel exhibitions introducing Korean cultures and the WeLoveU Foundation’s activities.
Clean the Earth and Love Your Neighbors
“In our local community, people habitually throw away trash anywhere. Whenever I saw dirty streets, I felt frustrated. It was my first time to participate in the walkathon, but I became convinced that if we can improve people’s awareness of the environmental cleanup through this type of event, we can keep our surrounding areas clean. I’m proud that the walkathon became a turning point to change people’s mindset for the better. From now on, I will actively participate in it.” University Student Mark Bryan Taglinao, a WeLoveU member
The WeLoveU members were determined to join the event in creating a sustainable future by cleaning the environment and helping their neighbors in need. The first worldwide relay walkathon held in the Philippines was successful, and the next worldwide relay will continue in Peru.