As part of the Bigger and Grander Sandugo sa Bohol 2026 Celebration, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, convened the Inaugural Meeting for the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon on May 20.
Representing Governor Aumentado, Supervising Administrative Officer (SAO) Metodio “John” Maraguinot presided over the meeting, joined by Melvin Salinasal of the Cooperation Unit–Protocol Affairs and International Relations Section (GO-PAIRS) and GO-PAIRS Head EJ De Guzman.
Also present were representatives from key partner agencies, including the Office of the Fire Marshal, Coast Guard Bohol Station–Eastern Bohol, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Panglao Traffic Management Office, Telephone and Radio System Integrated Emergency Response (TaRSIER 117), and the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO).
Sun Life 5150 Triathlon organizers participated, together with the Panglao Tourism Office and the Panglao Municipal Mayor’s Office via Zoom.
This year marks a significant milestone as the province celebrates a decade of triathlon hosting for the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon, highlighting ten years of endurance, athletic excellence, and sustained partnership. This milestone further reinforces Bohol’s growing reputation as a premier sports tourism destination.
At the same time, PGBh is positioning itself on the need for careful and responsible staging of large-scale events as Bohol prepares for its UNESCO Global Geopark designation revalidation this year.
Ensuring environmental protection, safety, and sustainable tourism practices remains a key priority alongside the province’s growing sports tourism initiatives.
The initiative reflects the collaborative efforts of the PGBh and its partner stakeholders, aligned with the province’s Strategic Change Roadmap, which prioritizes sustainable tourism development, institutional cooperation, and global competitiveness.
The 2026 edition forms part of the 5150 Triathlon Island Series (Guimaras–Camiguin–Bohol–Samal), positioning Bohol as the third leg of the series.
Salinasal described this year’s staging as “historic,” underscoring the strengthened partnership between the Provincial Government of Bohol and the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon.
Among the key points discussed was Panglao Municipal Ordinance No. 11, Series of 2025, which amends Ordinance No. 01, Series of 2023, retitling the disruption fee as an environmental fee and removing the participant fee entirely—an initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity while ensuring environmental sustainability.
The event is scheduled for July 10–12 and will be hosted at The Bellevue Resort in Doljo, Panglao.
Organizers reported an initial confirmation of 300 participants, with seven weeks remaining and a projected target of up to 800 athletes.
Discussions also highlighted the need for careful validation of this year’s race routes and conditions, particularly the swim segment, due to tidal considerations.
This will be further reviewed in the next coordination meeting on June 3, with the anticipated involvement of DOST-PAGASA and DENR.
With its continuing rise as a premier destination for sports tourism, the staging of the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon will further reinforce Bohol’s commitment to world-class, sustainable, and internationally competitive sporting events. (PIMO/RJG)
