POLA, Oriental Mindoro — As the sun rose over the municipality, hundreds of participants gathered in the early hours of the morning to take part in Run Mindoro 2026: Early Still Recovery Anniversary, a fun run that symbolized unity, resilience, and collective recovery following the 2023 oil spill incident.

With a call time as early as 4:30 a.m. at the Pola Municipal Building, the event opened smoothly as walk-in registrants completed their registration, while pre-registered runners claimed their race bibs and singlets. Transport vehicles were strategically deployed to ferry participants from the municipal grounds to Cruz ng Kalikasan, the official starting point of the race.

Participants were energized through a Zumba warm-up session, fostering camaraderie and excitement before the 5:30 a.m. gun start. Runners then proceeded along the designated route—from Cruz ng Kalikasan to the Public Cemetery, looping back toward the finish line at Pola Community College.

The entire activity was conducted in a safe, orderly, and peaceful manner, a testament to the thorough planning and effective security measures in place. Personnel from the Pola Municipal Police Station led comprehensive route security, traffic management, and area security coverage across key locations, ensuring the safety of all runners, spectators, and officials.

The success of the event was made possible through the strong collaboration of the local government, partner agencies, volunteers, and dedicated police personnel who worked tirelessly to maintain peace and order throughout the celebration.

The fun run was led by the Municipal Mayor, Jennifer M. Cruz, alongside distinguished guests including Nicolas Delosso Torre III, Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and Vigor D. Mendoza II of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Representing PCOL BOBBY S ABAO, Deputy Regional Director for Administration, was PBGEN JOVENCIO S BADUA JR., Regional Director of the PNP MIMAROPA, who conveyed a message of support and solidarity, emphasizing the importance of sustained recovery efforts and the continued preservation of peace and order in the municipality.

Run Mindoro 2026 stood not only as a sporting event but as a powerful symbol of hope, unity, and shared responsibility—demonstrating how the community of Pola continues to rise together, stronger and more resilient, in the face of past challenges.