IN CELEBRATION of its 165th founding anniversary, the Municipality of Hinunangan in Southern Leyte will host two sporting events on June 24.
Known as the “Rice Granary of the Province” for its vast plain land that is entirely planted with rice, the quiet town will be the venue for the Hinunangan Bay Marathon and Hinunangan Bay Balik Baroto Regatta.
The two events are aimed at attracting tourists to this town that is also known for its beautiful white sand beaches. It also hopes to promote the entire province of Southern Leyte.
“We were thinking of activities that would attract tourists. So, we came up with this idea to promote the whole province,” said representative Roger Mercado of the lone district of Southern Leyte during a press conference at the Laguna Garden Cafe at the Ayala Center Cebu yesterday.
Gracing the press conference was Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner Ramon Fernandez, who is from Maasin City, Southern Leyte.
The PBA legend supports the move to promote the province through sports.
“We want to make [hold] sporting events that will not just promote sports but also attract tourists,” Fernandez said.
The Hinunangan Bay Marathon will feature 42k, 21k, and 9k distances. The Regatta only has an Open Division.
According to Hinunangan Mayor Reynaldo Fernandez, this project means a lot for the town, especially since tourism is just one of their few sources of income.
“We do not have much to offer except the beauty of our environment,” he said.
Interested participants may contact David Odilao Jr. at 0915-142-9580 and 0922-394-2349 or race director Joe Deresas at 0933-546-4658.