The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) Tour of Luzon 2025 forged an essential partnership with Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) on the safe conduct of the much-anticipated revival of the race.
MPTC and event organizer DuckWorld PH formalized their agreement with CSMC on Monday that will ensure the health and safety of all cyclists and members of the Tour entourage during the eight-stage bikathon that will kick off in Paoay, Ilocos Norte on 24 April and finish at Camp John Hay in Baguio City on 1 May.
CSMC president and CEO Raul C. Pagdanganan signed the memorandum of agreement (MoA) with DuckWorld Chairman John Patrick Gregorio during the official partnership ceremony held at the Philippine Center for Advanced Surgery of CSMC.
“This partnership enables us to apply our expertise that will not only help in responding to health and safety needs of the athletes and participants, but more so aid in the athletes’ optimal condition to compete,’’ Pagdanganan said.
CSMC will specifically provide top-notch medical services throughout the fabled multi-stage cycling Tour, offering on-site emergency care, first aid stations, transport services and immediate response teams.
“This MoA with the Cardinal Santos Medical Center is a testament to the commitment of the MVP Group in seeing the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2025 properly conducted,’’ MPTC Chief Regulatory Officer Arrey Perez said.
“The intensity of this race will push to the limit, and we want to make sure everyone is properly supported and cared for,’’ added Perez. With 105 riders from 15 participating teams, the opening stage is an out-and-back 180-kilometer course in Paoay followed by a team trial race in Stage 2 (60 kilometers) going to Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
The third stage takes the cyclists to San Juan, La Union (135kms) before pedaling 150kms from Agoo, La Union to Clark.