Dragonboat grounded during papal visit

MANILA, Philippines - Dragonboat action in Manila Bay will take a break from Jan.15-19 in line with the Maritime Security Operation to be implemented by the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy during the visit of Pope Francis.

According to the Philippine Canoe-Kayak Federation (PCKF), the dock site for the paddlers will be closed on the said dates as they comply with the “No Sail Zone” declared by the Coast Guard and the Navy.

“There will be 1,600 paddlers from the different dragonboat clubs who can’t paddle on the said dates because of the No Sail Zone in Manila Bay,” said PCKF head coach Len Escollante.

Members of the national dragonboat team, however, won’t be affected by the Coast Guard and Navy order as they don’t have their training in Manila Bay.

“The national team trains in Laguna de Bay, Taytay. It will only be the club teams that will be affected by this. But we’re suggesting that if they’re willing, the club teams can go to Laguna de Bay in Taytay as alternate site,” said Escollante.

Coast Guard Substation CCP commander CPO Edgard Tantiado had requested the PCKF to cease training sessions in Manila Bay as part of security measures.