FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila- The Philippine Army Dragon Boat hauls 5 gold in the recent 2018 ARA Waterways International Dragon Boat Festival held from October 4 to 8 2018, in Incheon, South Korea.
The 5th Minister of Oceans and Fisheries’ Cup ARA Waterway International Dragon Boat Festival 2018 was organized by the Korean Dragon Boat Association. Said event was participated by 18 competitors from different countries like Russia, Singapore, Qatar, Taiwan, Hongkong, Malaysia and Philippines.
The Philippines renowned Army Dragon Boat Team dominated all the three categories such as 200, 500 and 2000 meters mixed event including the tug of war, which makes them as the over-all champion in the competition. Lt. Col. Raymond Dante P. Lachica, the Director of Special Service Unit, Philippine Army and head of the delegation was very much impressed with the performance of the team. He said that even they don’t have the luxury of time and resources to prepare, still, the team showed a magnificent effort and it paid off.
The delegation is composed of 6 male and 5 female rowers. It can be recalled that the same team was proclaimed as champion in the International Dragon Boat Federation, World Dragon Boat Championship held in Italy and Australia in 2013 and 2016 respectively.
The Philippine Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D. Bautista is very proud for the impressive performance of the team. The Commanding General said that, “such act is a manifestation that indeed, our soldiers are transforming and seriously taking all things just to prove to the world that we are really world class”. #