MANILA (PIA) — The 2nd International Dragon Boat Festival in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan aimed to bolster the city’s potential as a “Sports Tourism Capital of the Philippines.”
Mayor Lucilo Bayron said that the festival opened the door for future events, promising to draw more paddling teams and enthusiastic spectators to the dynamism of the world of dragon boat racing.
“Hindi naging madali pero alam natin na kakayanin natin na maipanalo itong mga malalaking international events natin. Syempre sa suporta na rin ng mga department heads, mga empleyado ng city hall at sa mga mamamayan na nariyan para suportahan ang mga ginagawa natin at maging ng mga organisasyon na nagtitiwala sa atin para sa malalaking events. Malaki ang aking pasasalamat,” said Bayron.
Bayron also hinted at more international events in the pipeline, further raising the city’s profile in the sports tourism sector.
Teams from Chinese Taipei, Manila, Cebu, and Siargao competed fiercely in the 200-meter event on November 18-19.
The Sugbo Mighty Dragons from Cebu took the top spot, proving the inclusive nature of dragon boating as a sport that welcomes diverse age groups.
The participants of the 2nd Dragon Boat Festival race to the finish line. (Photo courtesy of City Information Office)
Bayron said the partnership between the city government and the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation not only ensured a smoothly run festival but also helped elevate Puerto Princesa’s status as an emerging hub for sports tourism.
“Talagang naka-project na ang Puerto Princesa sa sports tourism. Syempre yung hinahabol nating sports tourism yung mayroong international flavor,” he said.
Bayron added that next year’s dragon boat festival will be more extensive, and the city government must gear up for this, particularly in seeking sponsors and funders to develop the necessary facilities. (GATS/PIA MIMAROPA)
Topmost photo courtesy of City Information Office of Puerto Princesa
