Iloilo Dragon Boat Race 2013 attracts 5,000 spectators

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The Iloilo Dragon Boat Race 2013 on August 24 in Iloilo River was one of the highlights of the city's 76th Charter Day celebration.

The Boracay All Stars out-paddled 10 other teams to dominate the 2nd Sen. Franklin M. Drilon Dragon Boat Competition, which gathered around 5,000 spectators from the city and province of Iloilo.

“This is one event we can truly be proud of, gathering more than 5,000 spectators along our riverbank,” Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said.

In the 200 meters sprint (mixed), Boracay All Stars won first prize after finishing with 51:13 seconds; Boracay Sea Dragons placed second; and the Philippine Dragon Boat Rowing Team (PDRT) finished third.

For the men's 200 meters sprint, the Boracay All Stars and Sea Dragons teams combined won first place after finishing in 1:04:07 minute; PDRT and Spitfire teams paddled next; and in third place were the combined De La Salle University and University of the Philippines teams.The top three received P30,000, P20,000 and P10,000, respectively.

The novice category was won by Iloilo Transition, followed by St. Therese MTC-Colleges, and John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) in third place. They received P20,000, P15,000 and P10,000, respectively. Winners also received trophies and medals.

Mrs. Mila Drilon, wife of the Senate President, gave an additional P20,000 and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing added P10,000 for the cash prizes.

"The Dragon Boat Race will be done yearly and a triathlon event will be added next year," Chairman Richie Garcia of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) stated. Garcia said PSC is also donating four dragon boats to the city.

Iloilo Dragon Boat Race 2013 video by SimplyIloilo

Mabilog welcomed the donation. "This will enhance the skills of the Ilonggos especially that we have a beautiful river suitable for water sports," he said.

The 11 teams that competed were Iloilo Transition Paddlers, Boracay All Stars, Boracay Sea Dragons, PDRT, Spitfire, Club 1925, DLSU Dragon Boat Team, UP Dragon Boat Team, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University Team A and B, and St. Therese MTC-Colleges.

The competition was made possible by the Office of Senate President Frank Drilon, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, Iloilo City Government, JBLMFU and the private sector. Credits: Iloilo City Govt Facebook and Simply Iloilo.

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