Davao: running against child malnutrition

The archdiocese organises ‘I am running for you’ (Para sa Iyo ang Takbo Ko), a fun run to raise funds for its nourishment centre, which feeds 200 children every day. Davao is located in one of the areas most affected by El Niño-related drought.


Davao (AsiaNews/CBCP) – The Archdiocese of Davao, southern Philippines, organised a fun run to raise money for malnourished children.

Dubbed ‘I am running for you’ (Para sa Iyo ang Takbo Ko), the event kicked off this morning at 4:30 am from Victoria Plaza car park along Bajada, in Davao City.

The Archdiocesan Nourishment Centre launched the initiative in 2014. Since then, it has been feeding 200 malnourished children every day.

The Archdiocese of Davao is located in one of the areas most affected by El Niño-related drought, which has badly hit local farmers, sparking unrest and even acts of violence.

For participants, the registration fee was pegged to the distance: 300 pesos for the 4-km run, 350 for the 6-km run and 400 for the 11-km run, singlets and bibs included. The centre also sold t-shirts at 200 pesos each.

Located along Pag-Asa Street, Fatima in Davao City, the centre is the former residence of the Missionaries of Charity.

Volunteers from different groups give their time and resources to feed children in poor conditions on a daily basis, except for Sundays.

In addition to providing food, the centre also teaches children how to pray and encourages parents to be more prayerful in their homes as well.

“Every time we have our meals at home, my daughter always reminds us to pray before eating,” said Christy Valenzona, one of the parents of the children served by the centre.