Endurance hiker Ferdinand “The Philippine Looper” Dela Merced arrives at City Hall Tuesday noon, September 23, after being accompanied on foot along La Purisima Street by Mayor Khymer Olaso and the Zamboanga Runners Club PH.

Mayor Olaso welcomed him with tokens of appreciation, including a City Hall sketch, a Hermosa Festival shirt, and a souvenir cup, while Dela Merced signed a pair of his slippers in gratitude.

The warm welcome to City Hall included the fabulous performance of the city government brass band at the entrance.

Starting his Zamboanga leg from Barangay Vitali three days earlier, Dela Merced continued his nationwide campaign promoting health, discipline, and community spirit. He will carry his message of endurance, unity and tourism as he travels to Jolo.

Dela Merced said he found Zamboanga welcoming and friendly, with approachable people and a vibrant sense of community that made his journey even more inspiring.

The mayor also personally gave Dela Merced cash from his own pocket, along with a T-shirt bearing his family name, as a gesture of encouragement and support for his remarkable effort to reach the city.

In hiking parlance, a “looper” refers to a hiker who completes a circuit or loop trail. However, Dela Merced’s journey is unlike any other. As of today, there has been no official record of anyone completing a walking loop through all Philippine provinces—a feat that, if completed, would make him the first documented person to do so (source: Calbayog City) (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit/ Jen Casido)