DAPA, Siargao Island – The Philippine Army Dragon Warriors from Taguig City emerged victorious in all three categories of the 1st Dapa Siargao National Dragon Boat Regatta 2022 held here from July 8 to 10.
The winning team, recognized during the awarding ceremony here Sunday evening, bagged a total of 63 points and won the race's mixed, women, and open categories.
Coming in second is the Umagu Team from Dumaguete City, while the Black Mantra Warriors from Mandaue City landed in third place.
The Army won the mixed category with the time of 00:50:31, the women category with 01:01:89, and the open category with 00:54:83.
Mayor Elizabeth Matugas thanked all the participating teams and hoped for their return next year.
Matugas said the local government will work to elevate the dragon boat race on the island to an international level.
The Department of Tourism in the Caraga Region (DOT-13) also vowed to support the move of the local government unit.
DOT-13 Director Nelia Arina noted that among the thrusts of the new administration is to support the tourism initiatives of the local governments.
The Dapa dragon boat event is considered the first major tourism and sports activity on the island over two years after the pandemic, and more than six months after the devastation of Typhoon Odette.
The two major events on the island, the international game fishing, and international surfing were stalled in the past two years due to the pandemic.
This year, the local government of General Luna also decided to defer the staging of the international surfing competition due to the continuing rehabilitation efforts from the ruins of Typhoon Odette. (PNA)
