Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared the fourth week of October of every year as “Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines.”
In a bid to promote Philippines as a “premier paddling destination and to encourage its adoption as a sport and leisure activity”, the President issued Proclamation No. 699 on October 2, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
The timing of the announcement could not have been better as the Southeast Asian country is getting ready to host the 2024 International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships in Puerto Princesa from October 28 to November 4.
Nicknamed the “The City in a Forest”, Puerto Princesa, located in east-central Palawan, is known as a top ecotourism destination and is home to some breathtaking sceneries, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
“For this purpose, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is hereby directed to lead, coordinate, and supervise the observance of the Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines, and identify the programmes, activities and projects for the celebration thereof,” the President said in the Proclamation.
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“All agencies of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), were also directed to actively participate and support the PSC for the effective implementation of Proclamation 699.”
Paddling forward, the proclamation stated, “symbolises unity and strength in navigating challenges towards achieving progress as a Filipino nation and embodies personal growth and development through constantly striving to push limits, overcome setbacks, and demonstrate resilience and dedication in the pursuit of excellence.”
Recently, Puerto Princesa launched the “Paddle Together for Climate Action”, a campaign that aims to raise awareness of climate issues and promote sustainable practices.
It will be a crucial part of the Dragon Boat World Championships, with coastal and baywalk clean-ups among other plans.
A three-day dragon boat festival took place on the sidelines of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with guest crews, including breast cancer survivors enjoying the waters at the Vaires-sur Marne Nautical Stadium.
The discipline is also set to feature at the Chengdu 2025 World Games, with the Xinglong Lake Wetland Park chosen as the venue.
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