Puregold Hakot Relay gives Ilonggos free groceries

1 of 7

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

More than 4,000 Ilonggos received free groceries, household essentials, and event merchandise during the launch of Puregold’s Hakot Relay 2026 on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Held along Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, the Visayas opening leg combined a community race with a distribution activity, giving participants a chance to bring home goods after completing relay segments.

The event, carrying the #AlwaysPanalo branding, marked the first of three nationwide stops for this year’s Hakot Relay series, following its initial run in 2025.

Puregold said the initiative was designed to blend community engagement with practical support, allowing participants to join a race while bringing home items that could help ease daily household expenses.

Puregold Price Club Inc. is a publicly listed retail company engaged in the wholesale and retail trading of consumer products, according to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

“We want to create experiences that bring people together while also delivering real value to our communities-something that reflects what Puregold stands for,” said Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club Inc.

“The Hakot Relay is one way we’re able to connect with Filipinos by giving them something they can both enjoy and take home, especially at a time when basic needs matter even more. We look forward to sharing this to more areas and reaching even more customers,” he added.

Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad said the Visayas launch underscored the company’s goal of expanding the program to more regions while strengthening on-ground community engagement.

“We’re happy to introduce the Hakot Relay to more regions this year, starting with the Visayas. It’s our way of giving back by creating something people can enjoy collectively, while also helping in a simple but meaningful way. Seeing that kind of response here in Iloilo makes this leg more fulfilling for us,” she stressed.

Participants were required to form teams of three runners and register as a group.

Under the event mechanics cited in the release, participants were required to purchase at least PHP 2,500 worth of groceries in a single receipt on Jan. 31, 2026, to qualify for the event, with participating brands included in the requirement.

After qualifying, teams paid a PHP 500 registration fee to secure their relay slot.

Runners who completed the relay received finisher medals, grocery bags, and event merchandise, while select participants received additional items through surprise drops along the course.

The Iloilo leg also featured live performances from Filipino hip-hop artists Skusta Clee and Flow G, creating a festival-like atmosphere for participants and spectators.

The 2026 Iloilo event built on Puregold’s 2025 Hakot Relay debut and served as the opening leg of this year’s wider rollout.

Puregold said the Hakot Relay 2026 will next move to South Luzon and Metro Manila as part of its nationwide run aimed at combining community participation with practical household support.