CALBAYOG CITY – The city government here hosted its first ever “Coolbayog Dragon Boat Competition” on April 1 and 2, as part of the city’s sports tourism campaign.
At least 12 teams from all over the country competed in the open and mixed categories.
City Mayor Raymund Uy said that the sports tourism event aims to upgrade the usual water-based races such as the Hibatang River Banca Race.
“Though our tourism priorities are geared towards Culinary and Agri-Tourism, promoting these priorities through an upgrade of a domestic tourism activity is just like hitting two birds with one stone,” Mayor Uy explained.
He added that Malajog Beach was chosen as the race venue to promote the Malajog Loop, which features Samar’s longest zip line ride going to an island. “For now, the competition is just an introduction. We are looking forward to the sustainability of our tourism plans, and to convert these tourism endeavors into livelihoods for our constituents, and eventually provide income for local business establishments,” the official shared. By Marie Tonette Marticio (EV Mail April 3-9, 2023 issue)
