BOTOLAN, Zambales, Philippines — The provincial government’s plan to boost tourism has taken a turn for the better as the Capitol hosted the first “Gov. Jun Ebdane 4x4 Challenge” last weekend.

Ebdane said the activity is part of the program rebranding Zambales as a destination for sports tourism as he expressed his pleasure over the outcome of the first event of this kind held in the province.

“We have learned a lot from this event,” Ebdane said during the awarding ceremony on Sunday. “There are many things we can do – new activities that previously seemed impossible in Zambales – if we only set our mind and hearts to it.”

Edison “Ton-Ton” Dungca of the Angeles City 4-Wheel Drive Club, Inc. topped the 1st Gov. Jun Ebdane 4x4 Challenge, besting 23 other off-road racers with an impressive overall time 0f 5 minutes, 51 seconds and 40 milliseconds.

Dungca also clocked the fastest in the final track and championship round with a time of 2:06:36, offsetting his 3:45:04 finish in the two elimination rounds that earned him second place in Day 1 of the two-day event.