Thousands of Dagupeños, nearly 20,000 strong, hit the ground running on April 25 for Run for S.A.F.E 2026, marking a strong citywide show of support for Dagupan’s ongoing SAFENET advocacy for mental health awareness and a secure, abuse-free environment (S.A.F.E.).
From CSI Stadia, runners took on the 3KM, 5KM, and 10KM routes along the New De Venecia Road Extension, with top finishers earning medals and cash gift certificates.
Held as part of the month-long Bangus Festival 2026 celebration, the event highlighted the city’s commitment to promoting mental well-being and nurturing a community grounded in safety, respect, and collective action.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, guest of honor and speaker, as well as the key author and principal sponsor of the Mental Health Law during the 17th Congress, which was enacted in 2018, lauded the strong turnout of participants and the advocacy behind the event.
“Nakakatuwa pong makakita ng ganitong pagkilos ng komunidad natin dito sa Dagupan City. Ang pagtakbo rin po natin ngayong umaga dito sa ating fun run ay isa ring dagdag na malaking ambag dahil sa ating pag-fun run, sinasabi po natin na dapat lamang mapag-usapan natin ang mental health at hindi ito dapat ikahiya. Sa ating pag-fun run para sa SAFENET, sinasabi po natin, basagin po natin ang stigma tungkol sa mental health,” the senator shared.
Mayor Belen Fernandez reaffirmed the program’s mission of protecting every Dagupeño from all forms of abuse.
“Kaya ang RUN FOR SAFE ay hindi lamang isang fun run. Ito ay isang paninindigan. Isang deklarasyon na sa Dagupan—ang kaligtasan ay hindi opsyon. Ito ay karapatan.” Fernandez said.
Additionally, the local chief executive emphasized what S.A.F.E truly stands for.
“Ang SAFE ay hindi lamang salita. Ito ay panawagan—Secure and Abuse-Free Environment. Isang lungsod kung saan ang bawat bata ay ligtas maglaro. Kung saan ang bawat babae ay may boses at proteksyon. Kung saan ang bawat pamilya ay may lakas at pag-asa.”
The ceremonial activity was quickly followed by a press conference at CSI Stadia’s Emerald Hall.
Present in the activity were Regional Director of DOH-CHD 1, Dr Paula Paz Sydiongco, Vice Mayor BK Kua, and Councillors Michael Fernandez, Atty. Jose Netu “Joey” Tamayo, Cristel Hilary “Tala” Paras, Jeslito “Jigs” Seen, Engr. Karlos Reyna IV, Danielle Francine “Danee” Canto, Marvin Fabia, Dra. Jalice “Jaja” Cayabyab, Liga ng mga Barangay President Marcelino Fernandez, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Bradley Benavides, OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Marciano Soriano Jr., DILG CLGOO Royolita Rosario, DCPO City Director Arnold Solomon, Convenor of Justice Zone Hon. Dorothy Alarcio-Padilla, R1MC Director Dr. Joseph Roland Mejia, DOH-DTRC Dr. Rosalinda Caoile, DENR CENRO Engr. Noriel Nisperos, PMHA Executive Manager Michael Romero, PIA Dagupan Elisha Marie Arguel, LTO Chief Romel Albert Dawaton, PSA Pangasinan Verna Palsimon, City Prosecutor Atty. Vicky Cabrera, LGU department heads and employees, barangay and SK Councils, teachers, students, Maaron Ina, KATROPA, civic organizations, national agencies, and guests from different cities and towns.
The Local Government Unit of Dagupan expresses its heartfelt gratitude to its partners, Milo, Pocari Sweat, and CSI Group of Companies, for their unwavering support in making this event a success.
Run for S.A.F.E 2026 stood as a powerful expression of unity, compassion, and social responsibility in Dagupan City, reflecting the community’s dedication to building safe and resilient communities for all, while delivering a powerful reminder: HINDI KA NAG-IISA.
