Run for RICO ’25

Ayala Northpoint, Talisay City – October 5, 2025

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, runners, students, and advocates came together at Ayala Northpoint for RICO Run Year 10, a 5-kilometer fun run dedicated to promoting mental wellness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.

Held in honor of Dr. Rico Gerona and organized in support of the Negros Occidental Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc. (NORFI), this milestone event marked a decade of running for the very ideals that continue to inspire the Run for RICO community.

The early morning air buzzed with excitement as hundreds of participants—clad in their race shirts and smiles—gathered at the starting line. The event began with an energizing warm-up led by Zumba leaders, followed by messages from the organizers, with a history of the Run for Rico, and the importance of caring for one’s mental health as it relates to physical well-being.

More than just a run, RICO Run Year 10 stood as a platform for advocacy, reminding everyone that mental health matters to all. Each stride symbolized hope, strength, and solidarity with those who continue to face mental health challenges in silence.

Runners navigated the 5km route starting from Ayala Northpoint, cheered on by volunteers and supporters. As they crossed the finish line, participants were greeted with refreshments, finisher medals.

The University of St. La Salle – College of Medicine also celebrated its own achievers in the run:

Male Category

Joshua Erl Limbaga – 9th Place

Female Category

Janica Danielle Pendon – 7th Place

Aleah Jan Maghari – 10th Place

By the end of the morning, it wasn’t just about the kilometers covered, but the advocacy upheld, the camaraderie strengthened, and the legacy continued. RICO Run Year 10 stood as a testament to how one community’s shared steps can uphold a lasting cause—championing mental health, unity, and the enduring spirit of Dr. Rico Gerona.

Words by: Joenier Jotar

Photos by: Alyssa Gicaro and Audrey Lapore