President Marcos commends Guinness record holder for fastest PH cross-country walk

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended the Filipino Guinness World Record holder Claro “Lito” De Veterbo, recognizing his achievement as the fastest person to cross the Philippines on foot.

Marcos met De Veterbo during a courtesy call in Malacañan Palace on May 20, where he acknowledged the athlete’s feat of traversing the country from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte to Glan, Sarangani.

The President also highlighted De Veterbo’s accomplishment and its relevance to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and responsible tourism, particularly through his “leave-no-trace” advocacy.

According to Malacañang, De Veterbo was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records in October last year for completing the cross-country journey on foot in 147 days, 1 hour and 39 minutes.

De Veterbo, also known as a seasoned ultra-marathoner, mountaineer, and endurance athlete from Los Baños, Laguna, has long been an environmental advocate.

Before setting the world record, De Veterbo was already well known in the local running community for participating in ultra-distance races and for climbing some of the country’s highest mountains, while promoting proper waste disposal and the protection of national parks.