Legarda champions climate action through Western Visayas Open Water Swim: Kruhay! Antique

In a confluence of athleticism, environmental stewardship, and cultural tourism, the province of Antique is once again making waves—this time through the return of the Western Visayas Open Water Swim: Kruhay! Antique. Backed by Senator Loren Legarda and Congressman Antonio “AA” Legarda Jr., and organized in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region VI, the two-day event will be held on April 26–27, 2025, at Barangay Nato, Anini-y. It will feature sustainability talks, a cultural fair, and the much-anticipated open water swim race, gathering athletes, advocates, experts, women leaders, and community members.

“This event truly reflects the Antiqueño spirit: resilient, nature-loving, and proud of our cultural identity,” said Legarda. “It speaks to who we are as a people, and it’s our way of showing the world that climate action, biodiversity protection, and cultural pride can all move forward together.”

Legarda, a four-term senator and seasoned environmentalist, emphasized that Kruhay! Antique is part of a broader effort to align local initiatives with international sustainability frameworks, notably the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on Gender Equality and Goal 13 on Climate Action. The event integrates technical sessions on marine biodiversity, cultural preservation, and climate resilience, while also providing a venue to elevate women’s roles in environmental leadership.

The event brings together elite and emerging athletes across 1.5KM, 3KM, and 8KM open water swim categories, offering a thrilling physical challenge while raising awareness on the urgent need to protect marine biodiversity. With Nogas Island as the visual and ecological centerpiece, swimmers will witness one of the region’s most treasured marine sanctuaries.

“Bringing events like this to Antique boosts our local economy and fosters pride among our youth and communities,” Congressman Legarda said. “This is our way of telling the country and the world that Antique is ready to lead in environment-friendly tourism, marine conservation, and inclusive growth.”

Senator Legarda is the author and co-sponsor of the Tourism Act of 2009 (RA 9593) and Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), as well as champion of key environmental legislation, including Climate Change Act (RA 9729), Philippine Clean Water Act (RA 9275), People’s Survival Fund Act (RA 10174), and Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003). (30)