By: Alex Q. Galang
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — Hotels in Pundaquit were reportedly fully booked as more than 10,000 runners from Metro Manila and Central Luzon converged on San Antonio for the Trilogy Run for the West Philippine Sea on Sunday, October 11, providing a boost to the municipality’s tourism sector.
San Antonio Mayor Doc Arvin Antipolo said the turnout highlighted the town’s potential as a tourism destination in Zambales, with large-scale events bringing visitors who can contribute to the livelihood of local residents and businesses.
The runners came from Manila, Bulacan, Olongapo City and Pampanga to participate in the event, which combined sports with an advocacy campaign for the protection of the country’s maritime resources and the rights of Filipino fishermen.
Antipolo cited Pundaquit, a coastal barangay known for its tourism attractions, as an example of how events can generate demand for local accommodation and related services. The reported full hotel bookings indicated the potential economic benefits of attracting visitors to the municipality.
The event also drew Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos, who joined Antipolo in supporting the “West Philippine Sea, Atin Ito” campaign.
Abalos said the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to focus on West Philippine Sea issues, including monitoring the situation of fishermen, identifying their needs and coordinating with local government units.
“Mas lalong pinaiigting ng ating mahal na Pangulo ang kampanya sa West Philippine Sea. Kagaya ngayon, may isinasagawang malawakang kampanya ng ‘West Philippine Sea, Atin Ito,’ isa na rito sa bayan ng San Antonio. Inatasan tayo na makilahok at magbigay-suporta,” Abalos said.
The campaign seeks to strengthen public awareness of marine conservation and uphold the rights of Filipino fishermen to fish in waters within the country’s jurisdiction.
For San Antonio, the event demonstrated how sports and advocacy activities can also serve as platforms to promote local destinations and create business opportunities for tourism-related enterprises.
The participation of runners from different parts of Metro Manila and Central Luzon further showcased the municipality’s capacity to host large gatherings while drawing attention to the importance of protecting the West Philippine Sea.