Teams from Chinese Taipei, Manila, Cebu, and Siargao Island took center stage at the recently concluded 200-meter event of the 2nd International Dragon Boat Festival 2023 held in Puerto Princesa on November 19.
The paddlers secured the championship in a gripping final showdown that left the audience in excitement.
In the Women’s Category, the Alliance of Masters from Manila claimed the championship, with the Philippine Titans – Manila as 1st runner-up, Fire Dragons A – Manila as 2nd runner-up, and Rampage – Manila as 3rd runner-up.
In the Men’s Category, the fierce competition was led by Mr. Canoe from Chinese Taipei, followed by Philippine Titans, Dagun Pilipinas A, and Alliance of Masters securing the second, third, and fourth positions, respectively.
The Mixed Category witnessed the triumph of Siargao Dragons from Surigao del Norte, with Alliance of Masters securing the second position, Hongkong China Canoe as third, and SAG-1 from Manila as the fourth.
The Masters Category, featuring participants aged 40 and above, saw the Sugbo Mighty Dragons from Cebu claiming the championship. Alliance of Masters secured the second position, Rampage as third, and Blue Phoenix from Manila as fourth.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation (PCKDF) leadership received commendation for organizing the international sports event, and Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron was lauded for the city’s undeniable success in hosting such competitions.
Mayor Bayron expressed gratitude, saying, “It wasn’t easy, but with the support of department heads, city hall employees, and the community, we proved that we can win these significant international events.”