BUTUAN CITY - The Philippine Army Dragon Warriors emerged victorious in all three categories of the 1st Siargao (Dapa) National Dragon Boat Regatta 2022 held in the island’s commercial town of Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte province, from July 8 to 10.
The PH Army winning team from Taguig City was given recognition during the awarding ceremony on Sunday evening.
The Dragon Warriors tallied 63 points as they ran away with the victories in the race's mixed, women, and open categories.
The Umagu Team from Dumaguete City in Visayas Region settled for second place while the Black Mantra Warriors from Mandaue City finished third.
The PH Army clocked 50 minutes and 31 seconds in topping the mixed category, and one hour, one minute and 89 seconds in the women's category. The Ph Army turned in a time of 54 minutes and 83 seconds in ruling the open category.
Meanwhile, local officials here said they will work hard to elevate the dragon boat race on the so-called ‘Paradise Island’ in Caraga region to an international level next year.
Dapa town Mayor Elizabeth Matugas and former governor and now mayor of the General Luna town, Mayor Sol Matugas also assured to work hand-in-hand to help Siargao Island’s tourism industry rise again after the devastating super typhoon Odette struck the island late last year.
General Luna town is known internationally as the ‘surfing’ capital in the Philippines.
The two major events in Siargao -- the international game fishing and the international surfing -- were stalled in the past two years due, no thanks to Covid-19 pandemic.
The Department of Tourism in Northeastern Mindanao or The Caraga Region also vowed to support the move of the local government units that acknowledged ‘Paradise Island’ in Northeastern Mindanao.
DOT-13 Regional Director Nelia Arina noted that among the thrusts of President Marcos Marcos, Jr’s administration is to support the tourism initiatives of the local governments.
“We are on the move to make Siargao Island and other tourism destinations in Caraga region rise again,” stressed DOT 13 Senior Tourism Operations Officer Kylee Doreene Q. Plaza.