The 2024 International Canoe Federation Dragonboat World Championships officially opened today at the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk in Palawan, Philippines. While the event celebrates the competitive spirit of dragon boat racing, it also emphasizes a deeper purpose: promoting tourism, environmental protection, and mobilizing for climate action.

In a message from Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., delivered by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the government highlighted sports as a platform for shared environmental responsibility. “We recognize that sports carry a profound power: the power to move people, nurture communities, and uplift nations,” said the President, aligning with the United Nations’ call for sports to foster peaceful, inclusive communities.

Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron echoed the national government’s sentiments, encouraging delegates to experience the city’s beauty, notably its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Subterranean River National Park.

The Philippine government has shown strong support for the Dragonboat Championships, marking the first international dragonboat event in the country and Southeast Asia. The championships coincide with the newly declared “Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines,” an initiative established by President Marcos through Proclamation No. 699, celebrated annually during the fourth week of October. The proclamation encourages collaboration between government and private sectors to support the dragonboat community and its goals for tourism, environmental protection, and community involvement.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has been tasked with leading this initiative, coordinating programs and projects in line with Moving Forward Paddling Week Philippines. “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,” stated President Marcos in the proclamation, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on October 2.

PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann has also visited multiple cities across Mindanao, including Iligan in Lanao del Norte and Cotabato City, where local governments have expressed their commitment to promoting the sport. These areas, rich in aquatic attractions such as Lake Lanao and Lake Sebu, have become active supporters of the dragonboat community’s goals for growth and environmental impact.

Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao and Vice Mayor Marianito Alemania shared the achievements of the first-ever Iligan National Dragon Boat Festival held in September at the Mandulog River Esplanade, with plans to expand the event to international standards.

Bangsamoro Sports Commission Chairman Arsalan Diaomaoden similarly expressed his support, noting that their 12-point agenda includes developing sports tourism and integrating local culture into their initiatives. Leaders in Tawi-Tawi, during the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair last May, also voiced plans to develop water sports such as dragonboat racing, canoe-kayak, swimming, rowing, and deep diving to highlight the rich aquatic landscapes of the southern Philippines.

The 2024 ICF Dragon Boat Championships in Palawan has gathered nearly 2,000 athletes from 27 countries, including the Philippines, competing for coveted spots in the 2025 Chengdu World Games. This high-profile event is not only a showcase of athletic prowess but also a powerful call to action for climate awareness, environmental stewardship, and sustainable tourism.