Marcos order boosts sport paddling

President Marcos has declared the fourth week of October of every year as “Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines” as part of efforts to promote the Philippines as a top paddling destination and to encourage it as a sport or leisure activity. Signed on Oct. 2, Proclamation No. 699 tasked the Philippine Sports Commission to lead, coordinate and supervise the observance of the Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines. “The celebration of the Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines aims to promote the Philippines as a premier paddling destination and encourage all communities to adopt paddling as a sport and a leisure activity,” the issuance said. In watersports, paddling is the act of propelling a watercraft using a hand-held paddle with single or dual blades that is not attached to the boat. Kayaking, canoeing, rafting, dragonboay racing and stand-up paddle boarding are some common paddle sports. —JULIE M. AURELIO