Manolo Fortich to Host 7th Ecorun for Environment Month Celebration

MENRO Invites Residents to Join Community Cleanup Run

TANKULAN, Manolo Fortich — The Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich, through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), is set to hold the 7th Ecorun: Takbo para sa Kalikasan on June 26, 2026, as part of the municipality’s observance of Environment Month.

The annual activity aims to promote environmental awareness while encouraging residents to adopt healthy and active lifestyles through a unique community cleanup run.

Combining Physical Fitness and Environmental Stewardship

During the Barug Manolo Fortich radio program, MENRO Officer Sharon Tacbobo explained that this year’s Ecorun will be a non-competitive community cleanup run, with free onsite registration beginning at 4:00 a.m. at the Municipal Plaza.

“Kining 7th Ecorun: Takbo para sa Kalikasan usa kini ka non-competitive community cleanup run. So, pick and run ni siya—combination sa physical fitness and environmental stewardship,” Tacbobo said.

Participants will collect litter along designated routes while engaging in physical activity, making the event both a fitness initiative and an environmental action campaign.

Participants May Choose Between Two Routes The activity offers two route options for participants. The 5-kilometer route will start at the Municipal Plaza and pass through Lower Sosohon and Pol-ton before returning to the plaza. Meanwhile, the 10-kilometer route will take participants from the Municipal Plaza to Barangay San Miguel and back.

The Ecorun is open to individuals aged 12 to 60 years old. Participants are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles to help reduce waste generation during the event.

Giveaways Await Responsible Participants

Although the Ecorun is not a competitive race and will not award prizes to the fastest finishers, participants who complete the activity and properly turn over the waste they collect will receive surprise giveaways from event partners.

“Pag-abot sa finish line, our participants will have to weigh in sa ilang nakuha nga waste, segregate nila dayon, tagaan dayon silag giveaways gikan sa atong mga partners,” Tacbobo said.

Collected waste will be weighed and properly segregated at the finish area to reinforce responsible waste management practices among participants.

Addressing Plastic Waste in the Community

Tacbobo shared that during the 6th Ecorun held last year, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles accounted for the largest volume of waste collected.

In response, the Municipal Solid Waste Management Board continues to strengthen efforts to install more collection bins specifically for PET bottles, which remain among the most common types of litter found in public spaces, roadsides, and highways.

“Kaning PET bottle is recyclable pero once atong mabutang sa public places, mahulog sa mga kanal; makabara siya ug maka-cause og flooding during sa heavy rains,” Tacbobo said.

She emphasized the importance of proper disposal and recycling to prevent clogged drainage systems and reduce the risk of flooding, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.

Promoting Environmental Responsibility

Beyond waste collection, the Ecorun serves as an environmental awareness campaign designed to encourage residents to become more responsible stewards of the environment.

“Mao na ang atong panawagan unta nga mahimong responsable ang atong mga katawhan. So this will not just be a cleanup but an awareness effort,” she added.

Through initiatives such as the Ecorun, the Local Government of Manolo Fortich continues to promote environmental protection, community participation, and sustainable waste management practices as part of its commitment to building a cleaner and greener municipality.