CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In response to the increasing frequency of urban flash floods and severe storms, the Samdhana Institute, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, is hosting ‘RUN4ME’ (Run for Mother Earth) this Sunday, April 19, 2026.
The event, which kicks off at the South Concourse of Limketkai Mall, aims to mobilize Northern Mindanao residents to protect the region’s vital forests, watersheds, and ecosystems. This year’s race aligns with the global Earth Day theme, “Planet versus Plastics,” and takes on added significance as it coincides with the 75th Diamond Jubilee of the Archdiocese.
For the organizers, the run is more than just a fitness event; it is a call for communal survival in a region frequently battered by climate-related disasters:
- Climate Memory: Northern Mindanao has been hit hard by devastating storms such as Sendong, Pablo, and Vinta. The Samdhana Institute emphasizes that protecting forests is a direct defense against the flash floods that have historically claimed lives in the city.
- The Energy Link: Deputy Executive Director Erwin Quiñones noted that forests become even more vulnerable during energy crises. When cooking gas supplies drop and prices soar, the demand for firewood and charcoal rises, putting additional pressure on local woodlands.
- The “Three Rs”: Amidst economic and environmental scarcity, the event promotes the intensification of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” practices to combat plastic pollution.
The run serves as a bridge between urban residents and the Indigenous Peoples (IP) who act as the primary stewards of the region’s nature:
- Indigenous Leadership: IP communities are at the forefront of watershed protection. The event seeks to unite diverse groups—from local families to city runners—in supporting these community-led conservation efforts.
- Diamond Jubilee: The Archdiocese is celebrating 75 years under the theme “Grace Ever Ancient, Ever New,” and sees the protection of the environment as a core part of “building communion” and renewing hearts.
- Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
- Location: South Concourse, Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City
- Theme: Planet versus Plastics
- Objective: Raising awareness for Northern Mindanao’s fragile ecosystems and supporting reforestation.
“Protecting the earth is also about protecting people,” said Joan Jamisolamin, Samdhana Institute’s Knowledge Management head. By running together, CDO residents are making a collective commitment to ensure that their city and its surrounding nature remain resilient for future generations.