AGOO, La Union—This municipality hosted the regional championship for the Philippines’ biggest pump boat race, the “Bankarera” at the San Isidro Port on May 20-21.
 
A total of 32 teams competed in the race coming from Regions 1, 2, and 3.
 
A representative from Team Orlie of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur championed the race and received P200,000 cash prize and a trophy.
 
While representatives from Apo Lakay of Agoo, La Union garnered second and third places, respectively and received P100,000 and P50,000 cash prizes and trophies.
 
Winners of the race, which all came from Region 1, will represent the Northern Luzon team on the national level with 18 entries.
 
A race for the P1 million cash prize will be held in Malay, Aklan November this year for the national level.
 
According to Hannah Rose Galdonez, municipal tourism officer of Agoo town, the pump boat race sponsors and organizers Kress, Bostik, and Petron chose their municipality as the venue because of the beautiful tourist spots and coastal area, which is perfect for the competition.
 
 “Tatlong bayan ang pinagpilian ng Kress sa La Union, ngunit Agoo ang napili dahil sa  magandang dagat at gusto nilang makita ang mga magagandang atraksyong pang-turista sa lugar at dahil na rin sa bukas palad na pagtanggap ng ating mayor na si Frank Sibuma sa kanila,” said Galdonez.
 
She added, “This event can help prompt domestic growth and contribute to the economic growth of the local government unit (LGU) by attracting future investors and providing local job opportunities.”
 
This public-private partnership between Kress and LGU of Agoo aims to elevate the boat racing image in the Philippines and to help promote and boost tourist attractions of the host municipality. (JCR/AMB/KDM/PIA Region 1)