To celebrate the Heart Month, the Polomolok Task Force Kalusugan (PTFK) Program of Mahintana Foundation, Inc. through the Health, Wellness and Safety Initiatives in the Workplace conducted the Heart Walk on February 16, 2019 from the Cannery Gymnasium to the open court fronting the Polomolok Municipal Hall. This activity is in partnership with LGU Polomolok, BLGU Cannery Site, BLGU Poblacion, Dole Philippines, Inc., Dolefil-Kaugnay, LEAD.PH, LEAD Salaried, Howard Hubbard Memorial Hospital, and 5 partner-cooperatives: CAMPCO, Tibud-SKMPC, PMSC, FARB-MPC, and UEWMPC. Around 600 participants from different stakeholders joined the activity including 9 partner schools and the Dole Management and personnel.
The organizers and participants gathered in Cannery Gymnasium at 4AM starting with a prayer led by Ms. Rhogelyn Diana of Mahintana. Cannery Punong Barangay Hon. Antonio Octavio gave the welcome address. Unified Cooperative HEPO Mr. Ronie Guilaran and his team led the Zumba dance as warm-up for the 5-km walk. The Polomolok Water District set up the 7 water stations to provide walkers free potable water along the way to teh venue. Hon. Octavio signaled the start of the walk. Another Zumba dance session led by Ms. Mirasol Ingente and her Zumba team was conducted in the municipal plaza before a short program. Mr. Ralph Janiola, Schools Cluster Head, led the opening prayer. In behalf of Mun. Mayor Hon. Honey Lumayag-Matti, Mun. Councilor Hon. Alan Ines gave the welcoming remarks. The messages of support were given by Vice-President and Managing Director Mr. Randy Fleming and Mun. Cooperative Development Council (MCDC) Chairperson Mr. Junbard Mahinay. Rural Health Physician Dra. Mary Grace Salazar discussed about prevention of diabetes and the importance of exercise and proper diet. Participants were selected for the special awards: Best in Zumba Attire, Best Tumbler and 1st 3 walkers, and were given tumblers and yoga mats as prizes. For cling remarks, Mun. Councilor Dr. Melanie Deypalan said that to have a healthy heart, it is important to have a peaceful heart. All the participants received a cup of arroz caldo, Nutripan bread products and Dole juice in can.
LGU Polomolok was represented by the: Mayor’s Office, Polomolok Water District, Philippine National Police (PNP), Municipal Health Office (MHO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Ministry of Social Welfare & Development (MWSD), BLGUs Cannery and Poblacion, and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Members.