Early in the morning of June 18, people dressed in sky-blue clothes gathered
at Aseana City, a commercial district in Paranaque City, the Philippines.
WeLoveU members and citizens came from all over Metro Manila
to participate in the 25th New Life Family Walkathon.

This walkathon, in which more than 1,300 people participated,
aimed to help victims whose livelihoods were threatened due to a cargo ship oil spill
that occurred in the waters near Oriental Mindoro at the end of February.

The event started with a beautiful quartet by WeLoveU members. In his opening speech, Lee Geon-haeng, Head of Las Piñas Chapter of WeLoveU, explained that the purpose of the walkathon was to convey Mother’s love to neighbors affected by oil spills.

Vinscent Gahol, Officer of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office[PDRRMO], said, “We are grateful to Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah for holding the walkathon. It is necessary for many people to cooperate to build resilient and peaceful communities in the event of a disaster.”

Upon cutting the ribbon to signal the start of the walking competition,
WeLoveU members chanted “We Love You” with their families and neighbors
and took a powerful step forward. The walking course continued for about 2 kilometers
along the main street of Aseana City. Lively music played in each section,
and the youth performance team’s exciting dances made the walkathon like a festival.

The children had fun imitating the dance moves and waving the balloons and pinwheels
in their hands. Many members marched, holding signs with messages cheering up the victims or protecting the beautiful environment of the earth.

The photo exhibition featuring WeLoveU’s various relief efforts, including disaster
recovery and educational support, and the panel exhibition of environmental
activities to respond to climate change also attracted the attention of citizens.
The photo zone and face painting booth were crowded with families with children.

On that day, WeLoveU delivered a donation plate promising to provide
500,000 pesos (9,000 USD) for the oil spill victims in Oriental Mindoro.

WeLoveU members and citizens have taken meaningful steps with their families
and created a beautiful world in which we can live together.

Donation Delivery Ceremony in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro

The last lecture was the global citizenship education by YI Bae-Keun, the President On July 20, WeLoveU members visited Calapan City Hall, Oriental Mindoro Province and delivered 500,000 pesos to help the oil spill victims as promised during the walkathon. The donations will be delivered to 100 fishermen households suffering from the mass death of seafood and fishing ban.

Marilou Morillo, Mayor of Calapan City

“I’m honored to be chosen by the WeLoveU Foundation. There are many people who have been affected by the oil spill in Calapan City. It’s been a while since the state of disaster was declared, but it was only recently lifted. I would like to thank Chairman Zahng Gil-jah for helping the disaster victims. I believe love is to help people in need. Thank you again.”

Marilou Morillo, Mayor of Calapan City

Daisy Gallardo, Victim

“I’m a fisherman affected by the oil spill. I sincerely thank the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation. Your support is of great help to me.”

Daisy Gallardo, Victim

Rodrigo Sabinorio, Victim

“I’d like to thank the Chairman of WeLoveU for helping us. Thank you so much.”

Rodrigo Sabinorio, Victim

WeLoveU supports the rapid recovery of the daily lives
of the victims in Oriental Mindoro Province.