Early morning on November 17, thousands of participants gathered along Lake Drive in Burnham Park.

As the starting gun fired, the mission began, to spread awareness about the West Philippine Sea.

This was during the “Run for the West Philippine Sea” Baguio Leg.

Despite temperatures dropping to 16.8 degrees Celsius, participants powered through the cold.

Groups joined together, some chanting, “The West Philippine Sea is ours!”

National team triathlete Joshua also ran solo to show his support.

“I really fight for what we have. The West Philippine Sea is part of the Philippines,” said Joshua Alexander Ramos, 16km finisher.

Couples also ran together, sharing the advocacy.

“We want to give our support because what is ours should remain ours,” said Racquel Ruanto, 10km finisher.

“Even though we’re not physically there in the disputed areas, we stand united to protect our territory,” Ryan Ruanto, 10km finisher, added.

Even senior citizen Felix, at 67 years old, completed the 16-kilometer run in just over an hour and a half.

“This is ours, it belongs to us, we must fight for it,” said Felix Bernabe, 16km finisher.

While others ran, some biked to show their concern for the sea.

Wearing statement shirts, they proved that even from the mountains, they care about the ocean.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong mentioned, “The message is clear and simple: even though we’re in the mountains, the entire Filipino nation must fight for the West Philippine Sea because it is truly ours.”

According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard on West Philippine Sea Concerns, “This symbolizes our stance here in Baguio. We show that we care about the West Philippine Sea. It signifies unity and our fight as Filipinos.”

This is the fourth leg of the “Run for the West Philippine Sea,” aimed at raising funds to support information campaigns and assist the personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy stationed in the disputed waters.

**JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR