The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Soccsksargen (DENR-Soccsksargen) has taken strict action against events held at the ecologically sensitive Lake Holon, leading to the cancellation of a major trail running competition. This comes after the agency penalized a previous sporting event for operating without the necessary environmental permits.
Notice of Violation for Unpermitted Aquathlon
DENR-Soccsksargen issued a Notice of Violation and Show Cause Order against Body Kinetix Event Services and Management, the company behind the "Holonman Aquathlon 2025." The regulatory action was taken because the organizer held the event at Lake Holon without securing a mandatory permit from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).
The aquathlon, which featured swimming and trail running, was held on October 26, 2025. It took place at the Lake Holon Campsite within Mt. Melibengoy, a key part of the Allah Valley Protected Landscape. The event was coordinated with the Municipal Government of T’boli. Photos and videos from the event circulated widely on social media, sparking criticism from environmental advocates and local residents concerned about the potential impact on the lake's fragile ecosystem.
Trail Running Event Canceled for 2025
In a direct consequence of the heightened regulatory scrutiny, the organizers of the Race to Lake Holon 2025 (RTLH) have officially canceled the trail running event. It was originally scheduled for December 6 and 7, 2025, in Barangay Salacafe, Tboli, South Cotabato.
The RTLH team cited "unavoidable circumstances" and the need to adhere to newly enforced environmental regulations. While they had secured a permit from the Tboli local government, their application for the crucial PAMB Clearance from the PAMB – Allah Valley Protected Landscape (PAMB-AVPL) was deferred following a recent evaluation. Specific directives for compliance were issued, but the timeline for meeting them made it impossible to proceed with the 2025 event.
As a result, the organizers are now targeting a new schedule in July 2026.
Refunds and Future Plans Announced
The cancellation has prompted the organizers to outline a detailed plan for participants. They have apologized to all runners, partners, and the local community for the inconvenience.
The following compensation and steps have been announced:
- Full race kits, including "Merch for a Cause" items, will be shipped for free to all registered participants within two weeks after they complete an online form.
- Partial refunds will be issued based on unused funds allocated for race kits, community programs, and pre-race preparations.
- Full refunds will be provided for homestay or hotel bookings in Salacafe and Tboli town made through RTLH2025 partner accommodations, processed within 7-10 days after form submission.
- All affected runners will be eligible for a 25 percent discount if they register for the rescheduled July 2026 edition.
The organizers expressed gratitude for the community's understanding and support as they work to comply with all regulations for the future event. This series of events highlights the increasing enforcement of environmental protection laws within the Philippines' protected landscapes, balancing eco-tourism with conservation.
