Cardinal Santos Medical Center Reaffirms Medical Partnership for 2026 MPTC Tour of Luzon
Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) has officially renewed its role as the medical partner for the MPTC Tour of Luzon, which is set to return with a significantly expanded 2026 edition. The partnership was solidified during a formal signing ceremony held at CSMC in Greenhills, San Juan City, involving key executives from both organizations.
Enhanced Medical Support for a Premier Cycling Event
As the official medical partner, CSMC will deploy extensive medical resources throughout the 14-stage race, scheduled from April 29 to May 13. This includes two fully equipped ambulances, each staffed by two teams of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers, and a dedicated trauma doctor on standby. The medical coverage aims to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants in this high-intensity competition.
Tour of Luzon CEO and Chief Organizer Arrey Perez expressed his gratitude, stating, "We extend our sincere gratitude to the Cardinal Santos Medical Center for their unwavering support. This partnership goes beyond the race column—it’s about showcasing the Philippines’ ability to host a premier sports event with care and excellence."
Commitment to Athlete Safety and Community Health
CSMC President and CEO Raul Pagdanganan emphasized the importance of the collaboration, saying, "Through our partnership with the MPTC Tour of Luzon, we are proud to contribute our expertise in emergency and trauma care to safeguard the athletes who inspire communities across the country." He further explained that cycling at this elite level pushes physical limits, with inherent risks from high-speed competition, making medical preparedness a critical component of the event.
To bolster support, CSMC will actively involve its network of hospital partners located along the Tour of Luzon route. This coordinated effort ensures that medical teams are readily available across multiple regions, enhancing response capabilities during the race.
Expanded Race Scope and International Participation
The 2026 Tour of Luzon, titled "A Heritage in Motion," marks a substantial expansion from last year's eight-stage revival. Sponsored by Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the race will traverse a wider geographical area, covering:
- Southern Tagalog
- Central Luzon
- Cagayan Valley
- Ilocos
- Cordillera Autonomous Regions
Key locations include CaSeBo in Calatatagan, Tagaytay City, New Clark City, Clark, Palayan City, Bayombong, Santiago City, Tuguegarao, Pagudpud, Paoay, Laoag City, San Juan and Agoo in La Union, Mangatarem and Lingayen in Pangasinan, and Baguio City, where the race will conclude at Scout Hill in Camp John Hay.
This edition will feature at least 20 teams, including five international squads, each comprising seven riders. The challenging 1,800-kilometer route includes multiple King of the Mountain climbs and demanding sprint sections, testing the endurance and skill of cyclists from around the globe.
The renewed partnership between CSMC and the MPTC Tour of Luzon underscores a shared commitment to promoting sports excellence and safety, positioning the Philippines as a capable host for world-class athletic events.
