First Governor’s Run slated for Cebu’s founding anniversary

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government is set to stage its first-ever province-wide “Governor’s Run 2026,” an initiative aimed at raising funds for feeding programs benefiting Cebuano children.

The event, which is being organized through the reactivated Cebu Provincial Sports Commission (CPSC), is expected to gather at least 3,500 runners from different parts of the province and its neighboring areas.

In an interview, CPSC Executive Director Rodrigo Tanza Jr. said preparations are now underway, with organizers targeting the formal launch of promotions and registration next week.

“Yes, actually ang kanang first Governor’s Run—we are coordinating na sa amo organizer. Probably karong Monday, mao na akong gi-arrange nga by Monday maka-start nata sa pag-advertise,” Tanza said.

He added that organizers are currently finalizing registration details for what he described as a “big event” for the province.

The Governor’s Run is being eyed as one of the major highlights of Cebu Province’s founding anniversary celebration in August.

Tanza said organizers are also expecting participation from celebrities, elite runners, and representatives from various local government units across Cebu.

“Expected nga naa tay mga celebrities na invite, naa tay mga elite runners, and then of course atuang LGUs invite sad nato,” he said.

The race will start and end at the Cebu Provincial Capitol grounds in Cebu City.

According to Tanza, several race categories are being planned to accommodate both competitive and casual runners.

“Naa tay 21K, 12K, 10K, 5K, 3K, ug 1K as per mauna among gi-planohan,” he said.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro will personally participate in the activity.

“Niingon siya moapil siya. Murag si Gov modagan siyag 3K guro,” Tanza shared.

Beyond sports and fitness, the activity is also expected to serve as a platform to promote tourism and local culture across Cebu Province.

Tanza said the concept includes showcasing tourist attractions and delicacies from Cebu’s towns and cities through promotional materials that will be placed at hydration stations along the race route.

“Atong gi-tap nato sa tourism. Ang concept man gyud namo ana every water station naa siya tarpaulin lang siya, naa didto ang mga delicacy sa atong mga kalungsuran, unsay tourist attraction sa mga kalungsuran. Mao nay gi-advocate nato, gi-promote pud nato sa whole province of Cebu,” he said.

He also confirmed that registration fees collected from the event will be used for charitable initiatives, particularly the province’s “Help to End Hunger” campaign.

“Yes of course magamit jud siya,” Tanza said when asked if the proceeds would benefit the public.

The Governor’s Run marks one of the first major activities initiated under the revived CPSC, which was reactivated after years of inactivity.

Earlier this year, the provincial government allocated P50 million for the commission’s operations and programs for 2026, focusing on grassroots sports development and youth engagement throughout Cebu Province.

Baricuatro formally led the oath-taking of the newly appointed commissioners on April 16 at the Capitol, marking the commission’s return after six years of dormancy following the end of former governor Hilario Davide III’s administration in 2019.

The commission earlier held its first coordination meeting where officials discussed plans to strengthen community-based sports programs, identify emerging athletic talents, and improve support systems for athletes in the province.

On May 2, the Capitol also reopened the Capitol Sportsfest 2026.

Aside from the Governor’s Run, Tanza said the province is also preparing for the revival of the Governor’s Cup basketball tournament.

“Naa tay Governor’s Cup. Basketball lang usa. Most probably opening ana by September until end mahuman jud siya,” he said.