PUERTO PRINCESA. — The ICF Dragon Boat World Championships will have a “presidential flavor” during the opening of the global paddling showcase at the Puerto Princesa Baywalk here on Thursday.
Given his love for sports and fulfilling a promise to Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation president Leonora “Lenlen” Escollante, President Marcos Jr. will be the guest of honor at the start of the blue-ribbon competition.
“I never imagined that no less than President Bongbong Marcos would grace our opening ceremony and, of course, our event. He fulfilled his promise to yours truly so this is truly amazing,” Escollante said.
“It is truly an honor that the Chief Executive is coming over. I was shocked when the Office of the President confirmed it last Monday. Even Puerto Princesa City government officials informed me he is coming over,” Escollante added.
“It is our great honor and privilege to have President Marcos Jr. as our featured guest during the opening ceremony of the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships,” said Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron.
“His presence at the start of this big international dragon boat event truly enhances the city’s status as a premier sports tourism hub in the Philippines,” Bayron added.
The President earlier paid tribute to the blue-ribbon meet highlighting the centennial anniversary of the International Canoe Federation by issuing Proclamation No. 699 declaring annually the last week of October as “Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines.”
In issuing the decree, Marcos noted that “paddling forward symbolizes unity and strength in navigating the challenges towards achieving progress as a Filipino nation” while promoting the sport throughout the Philippine archipelago.
Escollante said Speaker Martin Romualdez and his wife, Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Romualdez, will also attend the opening of the global dragon boat sports showcase serving as the main qualifying meet for the World Games in Chengdu, China next year.
“Speaker Romualdez and Congressman Yedda have been staunch supporters of the PCKDBF and dragon boat in the Philippines so we are also grateful that they will be present at our opening on Thursday,” she said.
She also said that ICF president Thomas Konietzko of Germany and the Philippine Sports Commission board – Chairman Richard Bachmann and Commissioners Edward Hayco, Matthew “Fritz” Gaston, Olivia “Bong” Coo and Walter Torres – will also be around for the inaugural rites.
“Last but certainly not the least, we will also have Sen. Pia Cayetano to join the opening day festivities,” Escollante said.
She said the competition has drawn a record-breaking number of 27 countries and close to 2,000 paddlers from all over the world.
“India alone is fielding a 120-strong contingent of paddlers while the Philippines has 200 entries,” Escollante said.
