Enduring months of intense sun, torrential rain, and unforgiving terrain, Lito de Veterbo concluded his 2,300-kilometer walk at Tinaca Beach on July 6, becoming the first person to traverse the Philippines on foot from Maira-ira Point in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, to Tinaca Point in Batulaki, Glan, the country’s southernmost tip.
De Veterbo’s journey began at 8:58 AM on February 9 and ended at 10:38 AM nearly five months later, forming part of the Great Philippine P2P (Pagudpud to Point of Peace) campaign. The initiative advocates environmental consciousness and seeks recognition from the Guinness World Records.
Despite the rain-soaked finale, De Veterbo called the experience bittersweet and triumphant. His feat earned citations from local governments, including General Santos City, Glan, and Sarangani Province. He also paid courtesy visits to GenSan Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao, Glan Mayor James Yap Sr., and Sarangani Governor Rogelio Pacquiao to highlight their shared environmental goals.
“As a mountaineer, I advocate low-impact, low-waste outdoor practices,” De Veterbo said. “I thought—why not walk long distances to promote awareness and responsible outdoor ethics?”
Nicknamed “Mr. LNT” (Leave No Trace), De Veterbo is the Philippines’ top advocate for LNT principles. He holds the nation’s only Level II certification, enabling him to train future educators and lead national sustainability efforts.
Since 2012, he has run workshops, produced environmental content, and lead the “Leave No Trace Caravan” to spread responsible outdoor practices across the archipelago.
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