MATAPAT@36: 53IB Holds Anniversary Fun Run 2021

January 20, 2021 53rd Infantry "Matapat" Battalion 0

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “MATAPAT” Battalion (53IB) held the Fun Run 2021 as part of the unit’s 36th Founding Anniversary celebration with the theme: “MATAPAT@36: Remember with Gratitude, Renew with Passion,” on January 19, 2021, at 53IB Headquarters, Camp Major Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

With strict adherence to and implementation of health guidelines and protocols against the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (Covid-19), the Fun Run 2021 was a friendly race participated by different stakeholders and government agencies in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, and Matapat Troopers.

“As the 53IB continues to take care of the Matapat troopers morale and welfare while enhancing their combat competitiveness and readiness, the battalion also looked after the mental health of its troops by initiating activities that will help them release stress from work,” 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said.

“The said Fun Run also aimed to prompt the body to release feel-good hormones like endorphins, which can help participants to feel less stressed,” Lt. Col. Herrera said.

The Fun Run commenced after the 21-kilometer run was released which was immediately followed by the 10-kilometer run, 5-kilometer run, and lastly the 3-kilometer run, along Margosatubig – Dumalinao road.

Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu participated in the Fun Run along with Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Representative Divina Grace Yu, Zamboanga del Sur 2nd District Board Member John Regala.

“53IB’s Fun Run 2021 is a good activity to promote camaraderie and sportsmanship among public servants including the military and civilians in Zamboanga del Sur,” Gov. Yu said.

Atty. Jackielyn Krystyl Bana, Atty. Maria Kristina Jihan Bana, Princess Axl Rose Legaspi, and Ariel Andos and other government units such as; Philippine National Police (PNP), Regional Community Deffence Group (RCDG-IX), Department of Education (Dep-Ed), Local Government Units (LGUs) of Guipos and Dumalinao and their respective Rural Health Units (RHUs), and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) also participated in the said event.

The 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place runners in the 3-km, 5-km, 10-km, and 21-km categories received medals and cash prizes.