Fund-raising run set

Proceeds will be used to build homes, save endangered species

A Globe Run4Home 2012 will be held on March 25 at the Cebu International Convention Center to help raise funds for the building of homes for the vulnerable, both humans and wildlife.

The proceeds from the annual charity fun run will be used to construct homes for disadvantaged people and to save indigenous animals from extinction.

This year’s beneficiaries are Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (CBCF), Gawad Kalinga, Habitat for Humanity, and Philippine Tarsier Foundation (PTF).

“Climate change threatens human habitats and endangered species so we decided that Run4Home should fund, not just housing projects of non-government organizations (NGOs) but also environmental conservation.   This year, we again partnered with GK and Habitat to rebuild homes for Typhoon Sendong  victims in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City.   We also included CBCF and PTF  so we can assist in conserving the natural habitats of flower pecker birds in Cebu and tarsiers in Bohol,” said Rob Nazal, Globe corporate social responsibility (CSR) head.

For 14 years, CBCF focused its resources on the study of Cebu’s wide range of biodiversity such as the Cebu cinnamon, Cebu flowerpecker, now designated as the provincial bird of Cebu after the foundation’s research renewed interest in the region’s natural heritage and black shama.

CBCF studied other terrestrial species like bats, herbs and trees. They also piloted a “warden scheme” among the forest occupants that started in Tabunan forest in upland Cebu City. At present, 14 forest stewards serve Tabunan while 23 forest wardens guard the Nug-as forest in Alcoy town, southern Cebu.

The second beneficiary, 16-year old PTF, maintains a 167-hectare tarsier sanctuary, a research facility and a guest center in Corella, near Tagbilaran City to preserve the last stronghold of the world’s smallest primate.

Gawad Kalinga, which was also a Run4Home beneficiary last year, is a long-time partner of Globe in its CSR programs.  GK has established more than 2,000 communities for the Filipino poor in 17 years. By creating a culture of caring and sharing in different sectors of society, restoring the dignity and productivity of the poor, GK aims to free 5 million families from poverty by 2024.

Habitat for Humanity, on the other hand, has built over 32,000 houses for Filipino families nationwide for nearly 25 years. Habitat is also a strong partner of Globe and has been a Run4Home beneficiary since the activity was launched in 2009.

This May, HFHP volunteers will simultaneously construct 200 homes in Tanza and in Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City for families affected by Typhoon Sendong as part of its Asia Pacific-wide “Youth Build 2012.”