ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) and the Iloilo City Government are bringing back exciting water sports events through the Iloilo River Dragon Boat Festival (IRDBF) 2024.
Around 500 paddlers from cities and provinces across the country including Iloilo, Cebu, Bohol, Manila, and Boracay, Aklan are currently gathered here for the festival, marking its big comeback after several years of break.
Co-presented by Double Dragon Corp., the festival started on November 22 and promises to boost tourism while showcasing the Iloilo River. The Double Dragon Boat Race proper will happen on Nov. 24.
The contest will kick off at Muelle Loney to be officiated by the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF), the national governing body for dragon boat racing in the country.
Eleven teams will see action on Sunday starting at 7 a.m. These are composed of Boracay Allstars; Cebu Poseidon Dragons; Iloilo Paddlers Club Inc.; Manila Dragons Dragonboat Rowing Team Inc.; Bruins Racers of the High Seas; Cebu Pink Paddlers Dragon Boat Team; Boracay Dragonforce; Bomba Pilipinas; Bohol Paddlers x Bugsay San Carlos; Amateur Paddlers Philippines (AmPPhi) x Manila Klasiko Dragon Boat Team; and PADS Adaptive.
“It’s our way of making the river alive by having sports activities and watersports. Aside from highlighting our efforts to preserve and rehabilitate the Iloilo River, we also want to attract more tourism investments,” said Overall Coordinator Joanne Marie Pijuan of Velocity 5000, the main partner organizer of IFFI.
The Cup started in 2012 through the efforts of then senator Franklin Drilon, with the main objective to clean up Iloilo River and raise awareness on its importance.
Pijuan emphasized that beyond the excitement of the races, the festival, which also celebrates the Year of the Dragon, aims to safeguard the Iloilo River’s environment and attract tourism and investments, transforming the river into a lively hub for sports and recreation.
“The festival is not just a one-time event but aims to build a lasting culture and sports in the city,” said IFFI President Allan Tan.
Tan recognized the support of Drilon and donation of four dragon boats by Edgar “Injap” Sia, chairman of Double Dragon Properties.
Pijuan said the festival will also offer a variety of activities open to participants of all ages, including free paddling experiences and river cleanup initiatives.
“We want to make this event accessible to everyone, from young paddlers to seniors as well,” she added.
Pijuan also shared that they are offering free paddling clinics for anyone interested. These clinics aim to inspire both young and old to love watersports.
She also mentioned that there are plans to mainstream the watersports in collaboration with the City Sports Division./PN
