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Thousands of people yesterday participated the ‘Walk for Humanity’ who simultaneously started from different points in the city and converged at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex.

The sports complex was jam-packed by a crowd of students, employees of government and non-government organizations, civic clubs and other sectors.

“This is the biggest so far with more than 15,000 participants in attendance breaking the record of previous years,” Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Zamboanga City Chapter Administrator Victor Liozo Jr. said.

The event was for the fund-raising campaign of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang lauded the organizers and challenged the participants to know the essence of IHL.

“Let us not stop educating the people that the law seeks to protect,” said Cabangbang. “Adherence of IHL is very important.”

Mayor Celso Lobregat also called on the participants to stand united to promote not only the culture of peace but also the culture of service to humanity not only in time of peace but most importantly in time of crisis.

He assured that “every step you made and every centavo you give will go a long way in saving lives and helping people in dire need in times of crisis and disaster.”

The mayor said the country today is going through difficult times.

“We thank God and the Nuestra Sra. La Virgen del Pilar for sparing us from the calamity. We cannot afford to just stand idly and watch the habagat victims as they make do of what is left for them from the debris of calamity. We need to respond, act and help our fellow Filipinos,” added Lobregat.

A total of P150,293.50 and a pledge of P40,000 were collected from various participants to support awareness campaign and dissemination of the IHL.

The event also highlighted the 3rd IHL Hip-Hop Dance and Cheer Dance competitions among participating schools and colleges.

By Monch L. Follosco