HIGHLIGHTS

Lito De Veterbo, a Manila-based mountaineer, made history by becoming the first person ever to walk around the entire island of Marinduque on foot with full documentation.

The route of Lito De Veterbo (Mister LNT), the first person to walk Marinduque’s circumferential road

Supported by Deuter and Lagalag, he completed his epic journey in four days from March 24 to 27, 2023, covering about 130 km across six towns namely Mogpog, Boac, Gasan, Buenavista, Torrijos and Santa Cruz. Tracing the island’s circumferential road in a counterclockwise route, he commenced his walk at the Port of Balanacan in Morpog around 6:30 A.M on Day 1, ending at the Mogpog Municipal Hall four days later at approximately 5:30 P.M.

Known as Mister LNT in the Philippine mountaineering community, Lito pursued the feat armed with these specific objectives:

  • To encourage people to walk as a form of physical exercise
  • To promote urban/road trek as an alternative to mountain climbing
  • To spread Leave No Trace as a set of ethics for the outdoors
  • To complete the whole feat without leaving a single piece of trash. Walang iiwang basura sa Marinduque.
Day 1 accommodation at Gasan police station
Food and water from generous Marinduquenos
Deadma sa init: Photo opp under the noon sun

His remarkable feat was documented by Marinduque News Network through a series of videos and photos that showcased his determination and commitment to achieving this goal.

The journey was full of challenges, from extreme heat under the summer sun to sloping terrain that tested is endurance and stamina. Despite these obstacles, Mister LNT persevered and achieved his goal amidst the help, cheer and warm welcome accorded by Marinduquenos along his route.

Day 1: Mogpog
Day 1: Boac
Day 1: Boac
At Marinduque capitol with Marinduque News crew
Day 1: Gasan
Day 2: Gasan
Day 2: Gasan
Day 2: Buenavista
Day 2: Buenavista
Day 3: Torrijos
Day 3: Torrijos-Sta. Cruz
Day 4: Sta. Cruz
With Vince Allan, president of Morion Mountaineers
Day 4: Mogpog

His completion of this walking endeavor accorded him a certificate of recognition from the Marinduque provincial government, through Gov. Presbitero J. Velasco Jr.

Marinduque provincial government, through Gov. Presbitero J. Velasco Jr., provided Lito De Veterbo with a certificate of recognition for being the first ever person to circumnavigate Marinduque on foot (by walking) with full documentation by Marinduque News Network (MNN)

This incredible feat serves as an inspiration to many people who are looking for a challenge in life.

Read related stories here:

At Port of Balanacan (starting point): https://bit.ly/40hwadh

At the end point: https://www.facebook.com/marinduquenews/photos/a.604743443053504/2350946158433215/

Post-walk in-studio interview with MNN: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=search&v=604289351624706

Interview with MNN’s Norilyn Privado on Day 1: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=search&v=236058838883346

Interview with Marinduque Ngayon’s Dave Escala on Day 3: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=search&v=228379933050081

At Torrijos with Myong Mataac: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2350301225164375&id=508848649309651&set=a.604743443053504

Leaving Torrijos: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=618446916791499

Torrijos-Sta. Cruz boundary: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2350305361830628&id=508848649309651&set=a.604743443053504

Night walk in Sta. Cruz: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=search&v=1890029528027602

Walking under the hot sun: https://fb.watch/kERqRlRNM0/

Certificate of recognition: https://web.facebook.com/photo?fbid=5998841373562748&set=a.5993407364106149