Tour of Luzon kicks off in Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte took center stage in Philippine sports tourism as it hosted the opening ceremony of the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2025: “Great Revival” at the world-renowned St. Augustine’s Church in Paoay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, yesterday.

The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) Tour of Luzon, a prestigious 1,074-kilometer, eight-stage cycling race, showcases world-class athleticism and Luzon's stunning landscapes, with 17 professional teams and 119 elite cyclists from the Philippines and beyond competing this year.

Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc warmly welcomed the participants and guests, proudly highlighting Ilocos Norte’s emerging role as a premier destination for sports tourism and a host of nationally significant events.

“As I always say, we are far, but we are worth it. We hope you get to enjoy our province despite the intense effort you will be exerting. I hope you will be able to come back, and may this be the beginning of many Tours of Luzon here in Ilocos Norte,” Governor Manotoc said.

Reaffirming his commitment to sports development and tourism, Gov. Marcos Manotoc added:

“We have long set our sights on becoming the sports tourism hub in the north. We want to be the go-to destination north of Manila for any major sporting event.”

The opening ceremony concluded with a message from MPTC President Jose Lim, who extended his appreciation to all those who helped bring the event to life.

“This tour is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of Filipino resilience, determination, and unity through sport,” Lim shared.

The opening ceremony was hosted by the Local Government Unit of Paoay, which provided the necessary support and hospitality to ensure the successful staging of the event at one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

The race officially begins today, April 24, and will run until May 1, 2025, traversing several provinces and cities across the region.