Why Walk Philippines Exists
WalkPhilippines.com chronicles the long-distance walks of Lito De Veterbo, a trained Filipino mountaineer, certified outdoor leader (COL), and certified Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor.
As a mountaineer and long-distance walker, Lito, who is known as Mister LNT in Philippine outdoor community, is armed with a set of objectives as he hits the road under the hot Philippine sun.
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
- To walk across the Philippines promoting environmental awareness and outdoor ethics
SPECIFIC BJECTIVES
- Health: To encourage people to walk as a form of physical exercise
- Environment: To complete each walk without leaving trash along the way and at destinations, thereby promoting environmental care and awareness
- Outdoor Ethics: To spread Leave No Trace as a set of ethics not just for the outdoors but in everyday life as well – https://lnt.org/our-work/international/
- Infrastructure: To highlight the inadequate, lack of, and need for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, such as sidewalks, walkways, footbridges, crosswalks, stairs
- Tourism: To aid in local tourism
Who is Lito De Veterbo
Lito de Veterbo, 55, is a Filipino mountaineer who set the Guinness World Record for the fastest crossing of the Philippines on foot while promoting environmental awareness and outdoor ethics.
Record-Setting Journey
Lito de Veterbo achieved the fastest crossing of the Philippines on foot from February 9 to July 6, 2025, covering approx. 2,300 kilometers from Maira-ira Point in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte to Tinaca Point in Glan, Sarangani Province in 147 days, 1 hour, 39 minutes, and 53 seconds. He walked approximately 16–18 km per day, most of the time alone, demonstrating remarkable endurance and mental fortitude. His journey included thorough planning of routes, accommodations, coordination with local government units, and preventive safety measures.
Advocacy and Purpose
Beyond the record, De Veterbo’s journey was rooted in environmental advocacy. Known as “Mister LNT,” he actively promoted the Leave No Trace principles, encouraging responsible outdoor ethics and minimizing waste. During the cross-country trek, he carried a reusable water container instead of buying plastic bottles, applied low-impact, low-waste practices, and conducted educational workshops and talks in communities he passed through. He completed the 147-day walk plastic-free and ensured that no trash was left behind, linking his record-setting feat with meaningful environmental action.
Recognition and Legacy
His achievement was formally acknowledged by Guinness World Records on October 22, 2025, officially placing his name—and the Filipino spirit of endurance—on the global stage. De Veterbo’s story emphasizes preparation, perseverance, and purpose over personal glory, highlighting how dedication to a cause can inspire communities and leave a lasting legacy.
Personal Background
De Veterbo began mountaineering in 2011 and subsequently took up long-distance walking in late 2022. He balances his career in a BPO company with his passion for outdoor activities, undertaking this extraordinary journey at age 55. He plans to undertake future walks to continue promoting environmental awareness, showcase tourism in the Philippines, and encourage others to try and challenge his record.
In summary, Lito de Veterbo is a trailblazing Filipino adventurer whose expedition across the Philippines on foot not only earned him a Guinness World Record but also highlighted a commitment to protecting nature and inspiring communities to embrace sustainable practices..
Sponsors
- Deuter – https://deuter.ph/
- Gaia GPS – https://www.gaiagps.com/
- Gossamer Gear – https://www.gossamergear.com/
- Coros – https://coros.com/ | https://activgears.com/
- Lagalag
Long-distance walking across the Philippines 