By Lordee Gomez / UM Intern
A DOG-AND-OWNER fundraising event promoting health, wellness, and animal welfare is set this June 11 at the Azuela Cove.
The Dogathon Freedom Run covers three categories, mainly the 5km run (5:30 a.m.), the 3km run (5:45 a.m.), and the 1.5km run (6:00 a.m.). Dogs as young as ten months old are allowed to join but can only participate in a 1.5 km run, while dogs one year and above can participate in 3km or 5km.
Floyd Bascones, president and co-founder of the PAWSitivity Project Philippines, Inc./Davao Alliance for Better Animal Welfare (DABAW), said the event would be based on the five freedoms of animal welfare: the freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury or disease, freedom to express normal behavior, and freedom from fear and distress.
“Ito po yung gusto namin i-promote sa event na ito (This is what we want to promote in this event), for the owner—health and wellness, for the dog—animal welfare,” Bascones added.
Moreover, the event is spearheaded by the Team Titans Davao, in collaboration with Davao Dog Lovers Community, The PAWSitivity Project Philippines, Inc., and Davao Alliance for Better Animal Welfare. The proceeds will be given to the beneficiaries, specifically Bantay Hayop Davao and Animal Rescue Rehabilitation and Fostering ARRF – Davao Inc.
For avid dog lovers and owners, the registration fee is only P700, which includes human and dog race kits, such as race shirt, race bib, dog bandana, and zinc alloy medals for runners and category winners.
“As long na fit kayo and then gusto niyo mag enjoy, you can join and register sa event na Dogathon, at least maka takbo kayo, makatulong pa kayo, (As long as you are fit and you wanted to enjoy, you can join and register on the Dogathon event. At least you can run and can also help)” Nick Pilapil of Team Titans Davao said.
