The Department of Tourism (DOT) officially formalized a multi-year partnership with premier race organizer Runrio Inc. on Monday, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This significant agreement is set to further reinforce the Philippines’ aggressive promotion as a leading sports tourism destination.
The signing ceremony, held at the DOT Multi-Purpose Hall in Makati City, marked the renewal of the Department’s long-standing collaboration with RUNRIO Inc., represented by its distinguished CEO and President, Rio de la Cruz.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco underscored the strategic importance of this alliance, stating, “Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we have made sports tourism a strategic priority, a platform not just to showcase our destinations, but for celebrating Filipino resilience and excellence, not to mention highlighting the beauty of our destinations.”
Secretary Frasco further emphasized the forward momentum generated by the partnership: “Today’s Memorandum of Understanding signing and renewal of commitment with RUNRIO, Inc. is the necessary and welcome step towards that vision, a way to move the Philippines forward, one powerful stride at a time.”
Under the terms of this revitalized collaboration, the DOT will lend its full support to over 40 major marathon and running events scheduled from 2025 to 2028. This comprehensive roster includes highly anticipated events such as the Manila Marathon, Santé Barley Trilogy Run Asia, Philippine Half Marathon Series, and Women’s Run PH. These events are strategically slated to be staged in key cities nationwide, including Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Clark, Davao, and Iloilo, ensuring broad geographical reach and impact.
The DOT-RUNRIO MOU signing, meticulously organized through the DOT’s Office of Film and Sports Tourism (OFST), was witnessed by several key figures, including Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar and RUNRIO Inc. Managing Director Andrew Neri. The event also saw the attendance of other prominent DOT officials, including Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Assistant Secretaries Ina Zara-Loyola, Judilyn Quiachon, and Ronald Conopio, along with Directors Lyle Fernando Uy and Alven Talisic, signifying the collective commitment to this initiative.
This renewed partnership is expected to significantly enhance the Philippines’ appeal to both local and international sports enthusiasts, driving tourism and economic growth across the country through the vibrant sector of sports tourism.
