Quezon City Hosts Anti-Drug Fun Run to Promote Healthy Lifestyles
Quezon City recently held its fourth annual anti-drug fun run, drawing around 1,000 participants. The event took place on Sunday, May 17, as part of the early observance of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT). Organized by the Quezon City government, the activity aimed to raise awareness about drug abuse and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle, especially among the youth.
The event was spearheaded by the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council (QCADAAC) and took place from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Boy Scout Circle along Tomas Morato Avenue. It aligned with the city’s Car-free, Care-free Tomas Morato Sundays program, encouraging physical activity and community engagement.
A Growing Movement Against Drugs
Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, who serves as co-chairperson of QCADAAC, emphasized that the fun run has become an annual initiative. This year, however, it was held at a new venue. “This is our drug prevention and drug awareness campaign,” he said. Sotto also highlighted the city's progress in its anti-drug efforts, noting a significant increase in the number of drug-cleared barangays over the years.
“Out of 142 barangays, we already have 104 drug-free barangays. The truth is, our drug-clearing efforts started around 2016, and we had only 22 at the beginning,” Sotto explained. He added that approximately 80% of the barangays are now considered safe, though more work remains to be done.
According to Sotto, trends in drug use vary depending on location, but overall figures remain steady due to sustained anti-drug efforts. “We see stable numbers according to reports from the Quezon City Police District and the schools division because our anti-drug efforts and drug awareness programs are ongoing,” he said.
Changing Sources of Illegal Drugs
Sotto noted a shift in the source of illegal drugs. “Previously, all the drugs came from Quezon City. Now, we see a trend where drugs come from outside elements, entering the city instead of originating within it,” he said. While cases in schools have declined, he admitted that more work is needed at the community level.
The vice mayor stressed the importance of prevention programs alongside enforcement and rehabilitation efforts. “Future plans include continuing to strengthen our prevention programs because we see that enforcement and rehabilitation are ongoing,” he said. “Prevention is something that really works—very aggressive compared to before.”
Encouraging Healthy Alternatives
Sotto said initiatives like fun runs serve as platforms to encourage healthy alternatives and strengthen family and community ties. “Our message is that every step you take away from drugs is a step toward winning the war against illegal drugs. The only way to do that is to strengthen families,” he said.
He also mentioned the city government’s goal to make all barangays drug-cleared by the end of the current administration’s term in 2028.
Participant Perspectives
Among the participants was Jopen Cañete, a second-year Sports Science student from PUP Manila, who placed in the Top 3 of the run. “Personally, I joined to compete,” Cañete said. He believed events like this help promote both physical health and awareness. “The fun run is effective because it promotes people’s health through running and sweating,” he added.
While acknowledging different circumstances surrounding drug use, Cañete shared a message of understanding and awareness. “I don’t want to judge them. All I can tell them is that they should open their minds and realize that using drugs is wrong.”
Meanwhile, incoming college student Christian Sumajit joined the event to better understand its advocacy. “I joined to experience what our run is like and how important this event is, as it focuses on anti-drug,” he said. Sumajit described the program as effective, especially for young people like him. “I’m encouraged to choose this over other harmful activities.”
He urged fellow youth to stay away from harmful activities and focus on self-improvement. “Don’t force yourselves into bad things. Prioritize yourself first, especially those who are my age and have stopped studying,” he said. “Find the right hobbies that will benefit you.”
Future Goals and Community Engagement
The event not only served as a platform for awareness but also as a way to bring the community together. With continued efforts and participation, the city aims to build a stronger, healthier future free from the influence of drugs.
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