Paddlers of the Philippine Army Dragon Warriors finished on top in the mixed 200-meter category of the 1st Siargao National Dragon Boat Regatta in Dapa, Surigao del Norte on Saturday. (Photo by ERWIN MASCARIÑAS / Inquirer Mindanao)
DAPA, Surigao del Norte, Philippines — Rowers from the Philippine Army dominated the mixed category of the National Dragon Boat Regatta in Siargao Island on Saturday.
The Dragon Warriors finished on top, besting CGY Oro Dragons of Caraga De Oro City, Black Manta Warriors of Cebu, and Speed Devilz of Manila.
The three-day event opened on Friday in this town which is the commercial center of Siargao, the country’s surging capital, although the competitions are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday.
According to organizers, the race was the first national competition since the pandemic. There was one held in Manila but only for local teams.
This was why the Siargao competition was well-attended.
Six teams came from Luzon: Philippine Navy Dragon Boat Team, Philippine Army Dragon Warriors, Maharlika Drakon, Speed Devilz, United Paddlers Club PH, and UP Dragon Boat Team
Five teams came from the Visayas: Umagu Dragon Boat Team, Sugbu Mighty Dragons, Bohol Paddlers Association, Survivors Leyeteños Paddling Team, and San Jose Banatti Negros
And 12 teams from Mindanao: Ricspeed Dragon Boat Team, Amihan Dragon Boat Team, Samal Dragon Boat Team, Gladiators Davao, Hydra Dragon Boat Team, CCY Oro Dragons, Braveheart Dragon Boat Team, Rapid Riders, El Kabater Dragon Boat Team, Bugsay Marajao, Cantilan Red Dragons, and RMMC GenSan Dragon Boat Team.
Dapa Mayor Elizabeth Matugas said they were encouraged to hold a more elaborate one next time due to the turnout of athletes and spectators.
She noted that the town’s homestay and other accommodation facilities were fully booked, boosting its drive to revive local tourism.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas II eyed making the event an international one next year.
On Sunday, the open and women categories of the race will unfold.
The race’s champion would earn P150,000, the 2nd placer P100,00, 3rd placer P75,000, and P50,000 for the 4th placer. P10,000 will be given each to those ranked 5th to 10th.
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