President declares observance of ‘Moving Forward Paddling Week’

MANILA, Philippines —  The ICF Dragon Boat World Championships set from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4 in Puerto Princesa City got another big boost after President Marcos recently issued Proclamation No. 699 declaring the fourth week of October annually as “Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines.”

“The celebration of  Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines aims to promote the Philippines as premier paddling destination and encourage all communities to adopt a sport and leisure activity,” Marcos said, given the country’s archipelago status with its vast coastlines.

“’Paddling forward’ symbolizes unity and strength in navigating the 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,” the Chief Executive pointed out.

“Now I, therefore, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the power vested in me  by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby declare the fourth week of every year as ‘Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines’” he declared.

The President directed the Philippine Sports Commission under Chairman Richard Bachmann to “lead, coordinate and supervise the observance of Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines and identify the programs, activities and projects for the celebration thereof.”

The support of the no less than the President himself has encouraged Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron and Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation president Leonora “Lenlen” Escollante to make the weeklong global paddling competition as a vehicle of unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship.

 “Kahit sino pa man ang mga participants natin, kailangan nating pakitunguhan ng maayos, kahit saan mang galing bansa yan, China man yan, Ukraine or Russia. Ito po ay larangan ng palakasan, walang politika, ito ay friendship game lang dito sa Pilipinas,” Escollante said.