BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The Iloilo River Dragon Boat Festival has made an impressive comeback.
Held at the scenic Muelle Loney, the festival attracted 11 teams and over 500 paddlers from across the Philippines, including Iloilo, Cebu, Bohol, Manila, and Boracay, Aklan.
With the support of Double Dragon Corporation, the festival began on November 22 and culminated in the thrilling Double Dragon Boat Race on November 24.
The competition was fierce, but these teams paddled their way to victory:
* Bomba Pilipinas – Senior Mixed Category Champion
* Iloilo Paddlers Club Inc. – Women’s Small Boat Category Champion
* Boracay All Stars – Mixed Standard Boat Category Champion
* Boracay All Stars – Open Standard Boat Category Champion
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon, who spearheaded the festival’s launch 12 years ago, shared his joy over its revival.
“I am very happy. I would like to congratulate the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., led by Mr. Allan Tan, and also Mr. Injap Sia of Double Dragon Corporation for sponsoring and making this possible,” said Drilon.
The Iloilo River Dragon Boat Festival, he said, “will now be an annual affair to showcase our natural asset — the Iloilo River. It promotes sportsmanship, fosters youth development, and underscores our commitment to eco-tourism.”
“The Iloilo River Dragon Boat Festival embodies the spirit of unity, the city’s commitment to eco-tourism and river preservation, and highlights the Iloilo River as a vital cultural treasure,” said Tan.
This annual event not only brings together paddlers from across the country but also reinforces “our dedication to sustainable development,” he added./PN
