ABS-CBN gives Phl paddlers P1 million

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN, the country’s largest multimedia conglomerate, bestowed P1 million to the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) team when it gave a day-long hero’s welcome for the Filipino dragon boat champions.

ABS-CBN president and COO Charo Santos-Concio said the amount was a token of appreciation for the team’s “hard work, perseverance and for bringing honor to our country.”

PDBF president Marcia Cristobal, meanwhile, thanked the media’s coverage of the team, as it has sparked a wave of support for them from both private and government sectors.

She also said ABS-CBN’s donation will go a long way, as the team will save a part of the amount for expenses in future tournaments.

The dragon boat paddlers received tremendous media coverage since they arrived from Tampa Bay, Florida, where they won five gold medals and two silvers in the recently concluded International Dragon Boat Federation World Championships.

In an interview with ANC anchor Bill Velasco, PDBF coach and drummer Annabelle Tario said support from private sectors started pouring in after the July 14 airing of Dyan Castillejo’s report in “Krusada,” ABS-CBN’s advocacy journalism program.

In the documentary feature, the “Sports Unlimited” anchor chronicled the plight, sacrifice, and devotion to the sport in order to represent the country.