SC Holds SPJI in Motion: Strategic Run for Judicial

Innovations
November 5, 2023

Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo urges everyone to continue supporting all judicial reforms,
adding that the SPJI in Motion: Strategic Run for Judicial Innovations 2023 Judiciary Fun Run is a
reminder that the Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022-2027 “is now in
motion.” (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)

Around 1,500 participants, including Supreme Court Justices, officials, and personnel, today joined
the SPJI in Motion: Strategic Run for Judicial Innovations 2023 Judiciary Fun Run, which Chief
Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo said was an occasion that reminded everyone that the
Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022-2027 “is now in motion.”

In his inspirational message, Chief Justice Gesmundo urged everyone to continue supporting all
reform programs of the Court under the SPJI, the Court’s blueprint for action of judicial reforms. He
said: “As this occasion reminds us, the SPJI is now in motion. And it is up to us to make sure it keeps
going, towards our dream of a judiciary that is more effective and more responsive—not just for the
people it serves, but for the women and men who comprise it, and who have dedicated their lives in
its service. You have fought the good fight; you have run the race; now I hope you keep the faith:
that we can all make it to the finish line of these reforms, where our dream of a better judiciary
waits.”

Chief Justice Gesmundo expressed his elation on the successful turnout of the 2023 Judiciary Fun
Run, saying that it is a proof of everyone’s “shared determination to accelerate our efforts at
reforming the Judiciary.” He added: “And it is symbolic of the judiciary that we continue to work
towards through these reforms: one that is agile, that keeps pace with developments in society and
technology, that is deeply aware of and ready to address longstanding problems like delays in the
dispensation of justice. Much like our run earlier this morning, these reforms are going to test our
endurance and determination. They are going to test our stamina and focus. But seeing you all here
today, running for a cause early this cold Sunday morning, I am confident: we as one Supreme Court
will make it to the finish line.”

The 2023 Judiciary Fun Run, the culminating activity for the 2023 Supreme Court (SC) Sportsfest
which started in August this year, was divided in three race categories: 5K, 3K, and 1K.

Supreme Court Associate Justices Mario V. Lopez, Jhosep Y. Lopez, and Jose Midas P. Marquez
were among the participants in the 1K race.

Also in attendance were Associate Justices Ricardo R. Rosario and Antonio T. Kho, Jr., SC officials
and employees, trial court judges and employees, and members of various court organizations.
The 2023 Judiciary Fun Run was organized by the Supreme Court Sports Committee, chaired and
vice-chaired by Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva and Clerk of Court En Banc Atty. Marife M.
Lomibao-Cuevas, respectively, who were in attendance with the members of the committee during
the event.

The activity is aimed at promoting better physical health and welfare of every court employee, which
is consistent with the Court’s efforts to improve the quality of judicial service by protecting the well-
being of court personnel.

One of the SPJI’s objectives is to address the needs and welfare of its internal stakeholders so they
can perform their duties in the delivery of justice effectively. Under this objective, the Court seeks a
more inclusive and more responsive Judiciary Health and Welfare Program for all court officials and
employees covering their physical, mental, and social well-being. ###