Senate inquiry sought on paddlers plight

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Pia Cayetano wants the proper Senate committee to conduct an inquiry into why the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) was not accredited by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee despite its exceptional performances in international competitions.

Cayetano said she wants to determine what standards and requirements were used by PSC and POC in accrediting and providing support to National Sports Associations (NSAs), particularly in light of the experience of PDBF team which had been denied recognition and support.

 “We want to find out how come our Philippine Dragon Boat Team, which is acknowledged as one of the best and one of the most feared in international competitions, is not recognized as national athletes and are being denied the support they deserve in their very own country,” Cayetano said.

The senator has filed two resolutions, Philippine Senate Resolution (PSR) No. 550, which commends the Cobra-Philippine Dragon Boat Federation Team, also known as the “Dragon Warriors,” for its exceptional performance at the 10th International Dragon Boat Federation World Championships; and PSR No.551 which calls for an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the non-accreditation and denial of support to the PDBF by our national sports bodies.

In PSR No.550, Cayetano hailed the “Dragon Warriors” for their successful campaign at the 10th World Championships held from Aug. 3-8 in Tampa Bay, Florida, by grabbing five gold medals and two silvers, and setting five new world records in various events in the small boat division.– With report from Christina Mendez