Dragon Boat backs Pampanga River eco-tourism plan 

Sunday, February 5, 2012

CANDABA -- The Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) expressed its support to the eco-tourism plan for the Pampanga River by turning it into a venue of future local and international competitions.

This came as the PDBF made its first exhibition in the town Sunday.

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Included in the federation are the De La Salle University Dragon Boat Team, Onslaught Dragon Boat Racing Team and Triton Dragon Boat Racing Team. 

"Gusto din naming tumulong na mapalakas ang lokal na turismo dito sa Candaba sa pamamagitan ng malinis na kailugan," Alex Escobar, team leader of the Onslaught Dragon Boat Racing Team, said

Mayor Jerry Pelayo, meanwhile, said he is planning to set up a local-based dragon boat team.

"Magkakaroon na tayo ng Ibon-Ebon dragon boat team na isasali natin ng mga kompetisyon sa ating bansa," he said.
 
Pelayo said the people from Barangay San Agustin could be recruited in the new dragon boat team as they are trained in paddling and handling boats. 

"‘Yung tao natin sa San Agustin ang iti-train natin dito, kasi ‘yung mga bata dito ay isinisilang na may kakambal ng sagwan. Sanay kasi sila sa bangka at tubig dahil ito ang kanilang pinagkukunan ng kabuhayan," he said.

Escobar said they are happy to note that the local government unit here is interested in joining their group by having its own dragon boat team. (Herbert P. Mapiles)