A prominent local manufacturer of metal memorabilia has stepped forward to clear its name amid a controversy surrounding delayed medals at a major Philippine running event.
Clarifying the Identity Mix-Up
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, Suarez & Sons Inc. issued a public statement to distance itself from the ongoing issue at the Cebu Marathon 2026. The company took to its official Facebook page to clarify that it has no connection, affiliation, or association with Suarez Arts, the supplier named by organizers for the delayed finishers' medals.
"We at Suarez & Sons, Inc. would like to clarify that we are not connected, affiliated nor associated with Suarez Arts, the medal supplier mentioned for Cebu Marathon 2026," the company's statement read. It emphasized that while the names may sound similar, the two are separate and distinct entities operating independently.
The firm stated the clarification was necessary to protect the integrity of its brand and prevent public confusion. "We empathize with the involved parties, but we must ensure that the public is accurately informed," the statement added.
The Cebu Marathon Medal Controversy
The clarification from Suarez & Sons comes after the Cebu Marathon Organizing Committee issued an apology on Monday, January 12. The apology was directed at runners who completed the race on Sunday, January 11, but did not receive their hard-earned finishers' medals upon crossing the finish line.
Organizers placed the blame on delivery failures by their long-time supplier, Suarez Arts. They explained that despite repeated assurances from the supplier, the medals were not delivered on schedule. This forced a last-minute scramble to transport the items, leading to significant delays.
The committee reported that the medals finally arrived late due to shipping and logistical problems. Distribution for the 42K and 21K races did not begin until 6:51 a.m. on race day, well after many participants had already finished, triggering a wave of complaints from disappointed runners.
Moving Forward and Making Amends
In response to the situation, the Cebu Marathon Organizing Committee has given its assurance to all affected runners. They have pledged that every finisher will still receive their medal. The committee's statement aimed to address the frustration felt by participants, acknowledging the letdown of not being awarded the physical symbol of their achievement immediately after the grueling race.
The incident highlights the critical importance of reliable logistics and supplier management for large-scale sporting events. It also underscores how brand reputation can be inadvertently impacted by name similarity, prompting proactive communication from unrelated businesses like Suarez & Sons Inc.
