Over 1,400 Runners Join NTF-ELCAC’s “Unity Run for Peace and Development” at Camp Aguinaldo

September 15, 2025

Quezon City, Philippines — The grounds of Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City were filled with cheers, energy, and color as more than 1,400 runners joined the Unity Run for Peace and Development, spearheaded by the National Secretariat, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NS, NTF-ELCAC).

The event gathered athletes, professionals, students, families, community advocates, and fur-parents who ran side by side in a strong show of unity and commitment to peace and development all over the country. With the iconic camp as the backdrop, the fun run became more than just a fitness event, it turned into a moving celebration of solidarity, hope, and the Filipino bayanihan spirit.

Proceeds from the Unity Run will benefit the Buklod Kapayapaan Foundation, Inc., an organization that supports conflict-affected communities and helps former rebels reintegrate into society.

"Tumatakbo tayo nang may layunin. Bawat hakbang ay pagpupugay sa mga nagbuwis ng panahon sa ibang landas ngunit piniling bumalik sa kapayapaan. Sa pamamagitan ng Buklod Kapayapaan Federation Incorporated, isang pederasyon ng higit 55,000 dating rebelde na ngayo’y tagapagtaguyod na ng nation-building, nakikita natin na posible ang pagkakasundo at may pag-asa na muling bumangon mula sa hidwaan. Ang pagsuporta sa kanila ay hindi lang pagkilos ng malasakit, kundi pagtibay sa mismong haligi ng ating lipunan," NS, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto C. Torres, Jr. said.

"Kasama rin sa diwa ng Unity Run na ito ang National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development. Bunga ito ng malawak na konsultasyon kasama ang mga komunidad at civil society organizations sa buong bansa. Dito nakapaloob ang ating sama-samang pangarap na iangat ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino, tugunan ang ugat ng kaguluhan, at lumikha ng patas na oportunidad para sa lahat. Tugma ito sa panawagan ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. para sa Bagong Pilipinas—isang bagong lipunan kung saan ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran ang pundasyon ng pagbabago.

Kaya tatakbo tayo ngayon, hindi lang gamit ang ating mga paa, kundi pati puso. Ang bawat hakbang natin ay para sa kapayapaan!" Usec. Torres added.

The morning was capped off with festivities, camaraderie, and the shared pride of knowing that every step made at Camp Aguinaldo contributes to the larger goal of building peace better for all of Filipinos.