FOUR international dragon boat teams and two Filipino teams from abroad have signified interest in taking part in the planned international dragon boat race during the city fiesta in August this year.

According to John Asuncion, the Cagayan de Oro Trade and Investments Promotions Office (ORO-TIPC) head, as well as the founder of the Dragon Boat Kagay-an, the four interested international teams are from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea.

The two Filipino teams, on the other hand, are from the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong.

Asuncion said they are targeting around 1,000 athletes to participate in the Higalaay Festival dragon boat race this year, which is expected to happen on August 19 and 20.

It can be recalled that the City Government of Cagayan de Oro recently concluded its biggest dragon boat race: the Mayor's Cup Spring Festival Dragon Boat Race, one of the highlight activities during the city's weeklong celebration of the Chinese New Year.

The race was participated by over 600 paddlers from all over the Philippines.