The coastal town of Socorro turned its famed spirit of hinabangay — the local term for bayanihan (cooperation) — into the driving force behind the Bucas Grande International Marathon–Uphill Challenge (Leg 2) on Sunday.
Some 1,240 runners from across the country raced through the rugged island terrain in four categories — 5, 10, 15 and 25 kilometers.
From community volunteers to people’s organizations (POs), residents joined hands with the local government to stage the event, blending athletic endurance with shared purpose.
The marathon’s second leg showed how effective collective effort was, as village officials and POs actively set up stations along the marathon’s paths offering the runners water, hard boiled eggs, salt, various kinds of fruits, chocolates, and pork lechon (roast pig).
The event was organized by the local government unit in cooperation with the Department of Tourism-Caraga Region (DOT-13).
“The town’s tradition called hinabangay, where everyone offers what they can to make the event successful, is alive in this marathon,” Socorro tourism officer Aga Ver Galanida said in an interview.
He said villages and 80 POs pooled budgets and supplies to set up aid stations for the runners.
“Every July, everyone here renders free service to any member of the community building a house. That includes us in government service, and we continue until the house is finished. That is hinabangay in Socorro,” Galanida said.
The Sohoton Inyanan Farmers Association, Inc. (SIFAI) from Barangay Sohoton was among the groups that provided food and supplies at three stations along the route.
“We started preparing the stations as early as 1 a.m. Sunday,” SIFAI member Sherry Lou Galo said.
Excel Gelsano, a councilor from Barangay Rizal, said members contributed money, fruits, bottled water, boiled eggs and local delicacies for the runners.
“We want to entertain the runners and give them happy memories during their stay and run here in Socorro,” Gelsano said.
Councilor Rogelio Cinco Jr. of Barangay Salog said residents left their village, about 14 kilometers away, past midnight to prepare their station.
“The first category started around 3 a.m., so we needed to be early to prepare food, water and fruits,” he said.
Sustainable tourism
In an earlier statement, DOT-13 said the Bucas Grande International Marathon–Uphill Challenge (Leg 2) highlights Socorro’s natural beauty, challenging terrain and unique island culture.
The event is set against rolling hills, coastal landscapes, and scenic island communities.
“The marathon offers participants an extraordinary running experience while promoting healthy lifestyles and sustainable tourism,” DOT-13 said.
The event is also expected to boost visibility and recognition of Bucas Grande and Socorro as a sports tourism destination, increasing visitor arrivals and spending in the municipality. (PNA)