“Victory is a thousand times sweeter when shared.”

This holds true for PhilHealth Regional Office XI when it formally conferred the proceeds generated from its run for a cause activity to the SOS Children’s Village in Bajada, Davao City last June 5.

Last February 15, the entire Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), swept the whole nation with another record-breaking running event themed PhilHealth Run 2015: Ready TSeKap Go! as part of its 20th anniversary activities.

In Davao City, more than 5,000 runners converged to join the cause and a total of P1.5 million was generated from this momentous event.

Leonilo Rivero, SOS Davao’s Village Director and a product of SOS Tacloban himself, received the check in behalf of the organization’s home-based and community-based children both coming from within and beyond the periphery of Davao City, who are now under the care of SOS mothers devoted to bringing them up as their own.

In his message, Rivero who also stood as a father to these children could not contain his gratitude saying, “I could say a million thank you’s but it wouldn’t be enough to express how truly grateful we are. This will go a long way to help the children in the village.”

Citing the importance of health and well-being among children, he pledged to use the donation to sustain their health care needs. The same will also be used to fund their academic programs for the school year.

PRO XI Sub-Committee Chairperson Filbert Bryan Sollesta lauded the benevolent efforts of the organization and shared how the team came to identify SOS Davao as this year’s chosen recipient.

“Higit po sa pagbibigay ng tirahan, pagkain, maisusuot o pag-alaga sa kalusugan at edukasyon, nakita namin (sa PhilHealth) na hinuhubog ng SOS ang buong pagkatao ng mga bata,” Sollesta remarked.

Also present in the turnover rites were Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr., Regional Director of Department of Health (DOH) XI and Dr. Jocel Villafuerte representing the office of City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Both have expressed concern for SOS Davao and vouched to support the village as well as PhilHealth in their undertakings.

The activity also highlighted the recognition of sponsors and partners from both public and private institutions who left no stones unturned just to help PhilHealth reach its goal.

To convey their heartfelt gratitude, the talented children of SOS Davao indulged the guests in various song and dance presentations during most part of the program. The whole activity was a meaningful and worthwhile experience for all.

But perhaps, the most significant part is seeing the genuine smiles in the faces of these children whose lives have been touched by everyone who took part in the run. (END) (Khlea Gayle Dublin)