The ICF Dragon Boat World Championships set from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4 in Puerto Princesa City got another big boost after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently issued Proclamation No. 699 declaring the fourth week of October annually as “Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines.”
“The celebration of Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines aims to promote the Philippines as premier paddling destination and encourage all communities to adopt as a sport and leisure activity,” Marcos Jr. noted, given the country’s archipelago status with its vast coastlines.
“Paddling forward symbolizes unity and strength in navigating the challenges towards achieving progress as a Filipino nation, and embodies personal growth and development through constantly striving to push limits, overcome setbacks, and demonstrate resilience and dedication in the pursuit of excellence,” said Marcos.
The President thus directed the Philippine Sports Commission under Chairman Richard Bachmann to “lead, coordinate and supervise the observance of Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines and identify the programs, activities and projects for the celebration thereof.”
The support of the no less than the President himself has encouraged Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron and Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation President Leonora “Lenlen” Escollante to make the weeklong global paddling competition as a vehicle of unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship.
“Kahit sino pa man ang mga participants natin, kailangan nating pakitunguhan ng maayos, kahit saan mang galing bansa yan, China man yan, Ukraine or Russia. Ito po ay larangan ng palakasan, walang politika, ito ay friendship game lang dito sa Pilipinas,” Escollante underscored in a recent press briefing held in the Palawan provincial capital
She encouraged local and international fans who will be coming over for the competition serving as the main qualifying meet for 2025 World Games to root for all of the paddlers regardless their nationality and where they come from.
Bayron echoed her sentiments, saying that they wanted the ICF World Dragon Boat Championships to be a fan-friendly event as Puerto Princesa rolls out the welcome mat for spectators and participants alike in the city’s continuing drive to become a major sports tourism hub.
A total of 22 countries plus the Philippines are fielding close to 2,000 paddlers to the championships that also highlights of the International Canoe Federation’s centennial anniversary.
