Thousands of people representing different sectors march the streets Thursday afternoon, kicking off the annual observance of Pink October or Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the theme “#FAITH: We Fight. We Heal. We are Stronger with Faith.”

The walk for a cause started at the Zamboanga Central School downtown and ended at the Paseo del Mar where a program was held with Mayor Khymer Olaso spearheading the activity.

In his message, Mayor Olaso reaffirmed his commitment to the campaign against breast cancer, which he said goes far beyond Pink October. “We honor the survivors, the warriors, and the angels whose strength and courage have touched our lives in so many ways.”

Organized by the city government through the Gender and Development Services in collaboration with the Local Council of Women and the Mindanao Breast Cancer Support and Empowerment Association (MBCSEA), the Pink October celebration runs until October 31 and focuses on raising awareness on breast cancer. The walk for a cause and several other events will benefit the MBCSEA and its local partners.

The program was highlighted by messages of support from key city officials and representatives from various agencies and the testimony of #Faith by Elizabeth Santiago, MBCSEA President, who shared a survivor’s journey highlighting strength in struggle and beautify in resilience.

The walk for a cause was participated by various sectors that included the city government, national government agencies/ regional line agencies, barangays and Sangguniang Kabataan, hospitals, schools, non-government organizations/ civil society organizations, and security among others. (CMO-PIO with reports from Fatima Jubail) (photo credits: Jen Casido)