DOT, RUNRIO sign deal to promote local destinations through sport

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has renewed its partnership with leading race organizer RUNRIO Inc. to further position the Philippines as a premier sports tourism destination. The signing of a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday, June 9, marked the start of a strengthened collaboration aimed at boosting the country’s tourism and local economies through high-impact running events.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the ceremonial signing held at the DOT Central Office in Makati City. She emphasized that under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., sports tourism has become a “strategic priority,” recognizing its power to celebrate Filipino identity, resilience, and excellence.

“Today’s MOU with RUNRIO Inc. is a significant step toward realizing our vision of inclusive tourism—one that moves the country forward, one powerful stride at a time,” Secretary Frasco said.

The partnership will see DOT supporting over 40 major running events from 2025 to 2028, including the Manila Marathon, Santé Barley Trilogy Run Asia, Philippine Half Marathon Series, and Women’s Run PH. These events will be held across key destinations such as Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Clark, and Cagayan de Oro.

Rio de la Cruz, RUNRIO President and CEO, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that it aligns with the company’s advocacy of merging athleticism with tourism. “Every race we organize becomes a stage for showcasing the beauty and diversity of the Philippines,” he said.

The agreement was formalized with the support of the DOT’s Office of Film and Sports Tourism (OFST), led by Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar. Other DOT officials present at the signing included Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Assistant Secretaries Ina Zara-Loyola, Judilyn Quiachon, and Ronald Conopio, as well as Directors Lyle Fernando Uy and Alven Talisic.

The DOT sees sports tourism as a growing contributor to local economies, benefiting small and medium enterprises, DOT-accredited hotels, transport providers, and cultural communities across the country.