To celebrate with a purpose.
This is what Valenzuela City Congressman Win Gatchalian did as he conducted a series of public service programs on March 28 to celebrate his upcoming birthday on April 6 with his constituents, who matters most to him.
Gatchalian, who was the mayor of Valenzuela City from 2004 to 2013, conducted a Fun Run, blood donation drive, and SPED Family Day in a day together with almost 6,000 participants.
Related News: Blood letting, fun run events highlight of Gatchalian’s 41st birthday
“We have been doing this for 15 years, and I am very glad that you continue to support my advocacy for a healthy lifestyle,” Gatchalian said.
As early as 5 a.m., Gatchalian worked up a sweat in a Fun Run along with 3,865 runners after they jog from Valenzuela City Astrodome to the city’s ALERT Center.
The former mayor of Valenzuela City led the runners in the 3K, 5K, and 7K race categories.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian also led a bloodletting drive at the Karuhatan Jeepney Market from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the help of 30 volunteers from the Philippine Red Cross or PRC.
Gatchalian, who is a director of PRC, also donated blood during the event as he made a self-commitment to share blood on his birthday.
Related News: Gatchalian collects 4,000 blood units for Red Cross
At least 61 blood units were collected within the day which will be delivered to selected blood banks of PRC.
Later that day, the lawmaker also organized a Family Day for 1,884 Special Education or SPED students with their parents.
Featured in the SPED Family Day was a magic show, acrobat performance, and a children’s talent show.
“Kumpleto na po ang birthday ko dahil kasama ko kayo ngayong araw na ito. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat!” he said during the SPED Family Day event. (Camille Nepomuceno)
