Around 17,000 runners, mostly government workers, participated in the R.A.C.E. to Serve Fun Run on 1 September 2019 in Manila.
Organized by the Civil Service Commission (CSC)-National Capital Region, the race began at 5 a.m. at the Quirino Grandstand as runners made their way through the southbound and northbound lanes of Roxas Boulevard.
Serving as the official kickoff activity for the month-long Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA) celebration in September, the event aimed to raise funds for the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani (PLBi), a program that provides one-time financial assistance and scholarship opportunities for the loved ones left behind by government workers who died in the line of duty.
It also sought to promote a healthy lifestyle, serve as a venue to interact with fellow public servants, and encourage friendly competition and camaraderie.
Fun run winners received corresponding cash prizes. First, second, and third placers for the 3K category received Php7,000, Php5,000, and Php3,000 respectively, while placers in the 5K run won Php10,000, Php7,500, and Php5,000 respectively. For placers in the 10K race, the CSC awarded cash prizes of Php15,000, Php12,500, and Php10,000.
Partners and sponsors of the event include Barangay 666, Manila, National Parks Development Committee, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, City Government of Manila, City Government of Pasay City, Department of Health-NCR, Philippine National Police, Philippine Sports Commission, Intramuros Administration, National Printing Office, Department of Public Works and Highways-NCR, MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc., Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Television Network, Inc., and Watson’s.
Benefit event
Proceeds from the Fun Run will go the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani or PLBi program. CSC recognizes their hard work and sacrifice through the program’s three (3) components: the Pamanang Parangal sa Lingkod Bayani, a posthumous award/citation in the form of a plaque signed by the CSC Chairperson; the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani Iskolarsyip, a scholarship program in partnership with the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges offering a discount on tuition fees for three (3) immediate family members; and the Pondong Pamanang Lingkod Bayani, a one-time grant of financial assistance.
To date, 140 beneficiaries have been awarded under the PLBi program.
About PCSA
The R.A.C.E. to Serve Fun Run is part of the celebration of the 119th PCSA celebration this September. The annual PCSA seeks to commemorate the birth of the Philippine civil service system in 1900, as well as to celebrate the contributions and hard work of state workers.
Thus, the PCSA is not just the anniversary of the CSC but of the whole bureaucracy as well.
This year’s theme, Civil Service at 119: Upholding Integrity and Building a High-Trust Society, is anchored on one of AmBisyon Natin 2040’s key areas for development planning, which is building a high-trust society, and aims to remind government workers of their significant role in realizing the Filipino nation’s collective goals and aspirations.
Next activities for the 119th PCSA will be the Government Choral Competition Grand Finals slated on 17 September at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, a job fair for aspiring government workers at selected venues nationwide, and the Awards Rites for the 2019 Search for Outstanding Government Workers in Malacañang. The CSC also prepared special treats and discounts for government workers throughout September.
As PCSA is a national celebration, CSC Regional Offices have prepared similar events in various parts of the country.
Complete details and updates are available at www.csc.gov.ph/pcsa2019.
