THE CONDURA RUN ADVOCACY: THROUGH THE YEARS

The first Condura Run in 2008 was for the benefit of Tubbataha Reefs, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The funds raised by the first-ever Condura run was donated to the Tubbataha Management Office thru its Park Manager, Ms. Angelique Songco. The donation, which amounted to P109,200.00, was used to purchase radio units for the park rangers who are tasked to protect the reef from illegal poachers.

A year after, the Condura Run 2009 was held to help protect the whale sharks of Donsol, Sorsogon. Funds raised were donated to the ABS-CBN Foundation to fund the construction and development of the Girawan Visitor Center under the auspices of Ms. Gina Lopez, Managing Director. The Center provided alternative livelihood during off-peak seasons for the residents who rely on whale shark sighting. The race helped raise P365,350.00, and this was used to construct facilities aimed at driving tourists to Girawan . This includes a visitor’s receiving area, carabao sleds, and hilltop huts.

As the Condura Run progressed to its third year, it aimed at helping protect the dolphins of Baclayon, Bohol in 2010. Baclayon is a sanctuary for dolphins, and has successfully turned around the residents from dolphin hunters to guardians. Fifty pesos (P50) from every paying runner’s registration fee plus excess funds helped construct the Condura wharf in Baclayon. This has made dolphin watching a more convenient, more enjoyable and safer experience. A total of P511,400.00 was donated to the Ayala Foundation, and the wharf construction was facilitated by the Baclayon Recreational and Aquatic Activities of Bohol (BRAABO).

For the Condura Skyway Marathon 2011, the advocacy toward dolphin protection remains. Initiatives this time will be focused on a scientific research called Photo Identification of Cetaceans in the NW Bohol Sea (PICS), which results can be used as framework for sound programs and policies on dolphin watching at par with international standards.

Furthermore, the proceeds of the 2011 leg amounting to P604,00 will be used for the renovation of the only Marine Mammal Museum in the Phulippines. This is currently located in the Institute of Environment and Marine Sciences, Silliman University.

Thanks to the growing running community and the supporters of the annual Condura races. From 2008 to 2011, the event was not only able to generate over P1.6M in donation. It has also succeeded in increasing the awareness and concern of runners and the public in general toward the marine environment.