The municipality of Dapa officially commenced this year’s 1st Dapa Siargao International Dragon Boat Festival at Sunrise Boulevard of Brgy. Poblacion, Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
Presidential Son William Vincent ‘Vinny’ A. Marcos, extended his warmest welcome and greeted the 28 participating teams on the shores of Siargao. “To all our international guests, I extend my warmest welcome and deepest gratitude for your support and for gracing us with your participation. Your presence here is a testament to the unifying power of sports and the shared joy that binds us all,” he remarked, emphasizing the significance of this event.
Undersecretary Ferdinand C. Jumapao of the Department of Tourism (DOT) emphasized the festival’s dual purpose of enticing the world to discover the wonders of the Philippines and encouraging others to love the Philippines. “Through this activity, we had the opportunity not only to celebrate our culture but also to invite the world to fall in love with the Philippines,” Usec Jumapao said. He further urged all stakeholders, local government units (LGUs), and participants to spread their love for the Philippines through this competition.
Mayor Elizabeth T. Matugas of Dapa ceremoniously inaugurated the 1st Dapa Siargao International Dragon Boat Festival, signaling the commencement of the much-anticipated event. Dapa’s Sunrise Boulevard has become a hub of excitement and has attracted a multitude of tourists from various parts of the island and the world, eagerly anticipating the announcement of the victory in this inaugural international dragon boat festival.
In a remarkable display of collaboration, the event achieved unprecedented success through the strategic partnership of Hon. Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas II, the 1st District Representative of Surigao del Norte. The event was also graced by Hon. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, Representative of Tingog Sinirangan Partylist, Atty. Francisco “Lalo” Tinio Matugas, the father of modern Siargao, and all Municipal mayors of Siargao Island.
(Source: Tara Na – Caraga Na Facebook page)