Organizers of the first Bohol Glow-in-the-Dark International Dragon Boat Festival have acknowledged the government agencies, private companies and volunteers who backed the event, which drew 191 paddlers and 160 event personnel to Bohol Tropics Resort on April 18-19, 2026.
The competition, billed as the country’s first glow-in-the-dark dragon boat race, was sanctioned by the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation and had projected expenses of P5,992,280, inclusive of taxes, according to organizers. It was funded through a mix of cash sponsorships and in-kind contributions from government offices and private-sector partners.
The event also supported the Bohol Paddle Youth Development Program, a grassroots program meant to train young paddlers, raise awareness of mental health, and build up the province’s paddling culture.
Vancouver Reign of Canada contributed P20,000 to the youth program in a gesture organizers described as a show of international solidarity.
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
The Tagbilaran City Sports Office gave P87,800 in cash and provided meals, lighting and sound equipment, 10 tents, and performances by the Prime Drum and Bugle Corps and the Vanguardians Dance Company.
The Office of the Governor gave P500,000, while the provincial government of Bohol supplied five tents.
Board Member Tita V. Baja contributed P150,000.
Gov. Aris Aumentado, Rep. Vanessa C. Aumentado, and Rep. Kristine Alexie Tutor each pledged cash support of P50,000, P50,000 and P20,000, respectively.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. gave P50,000, and the Philippine Sports Commission gave P200,000.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane C. Yap provided livestreaming services and the venue, while Rep. John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II arranged three Ambassador rooms at Bohol Tropics Resort for three nights.
PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPORT
BUGSAI Sea Crafts gave P50,000 in cash along with services valued at P400,000.
Sannovex Pharmaceuticals contributed P100,000 in cash.
Dumaluan Beach Resort provided buffet services worth P100,000, and The Bellevue Resort gave room gift certificates worth P60,000.
Marilou-Dumaluan Beach Resort gave P50,000, the Tagbilaran Dagohoy Lions Club gave P40,000, and LABB Construction and Save N Earn each gave P10,000.
First Consolidated Bank and Blue Process Technologies each contributed P5,000, while Occidental Enterprises gave P2,000.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology provided internet connectivity.
JJ’s Seafood Village supplied meals for 50 people and venue space.
Nature’s Spring donated 250 bottles of water, and Pocari Sweat and Leonardo Distributor Inc. donated 96 bottles of Pocari Sweat.
Bohol Tropics Resort, the event’s co-presenter, provided the venue and electrical requirements, while the Tagbilaran City Schools Division Office provided billeting facilities.
The event, organized by the Bohol Paddlers Association Inc., also received support from safety and emergency-response agencies, including the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bohol Maritime Police, the Philippine Army’s Carmen Camp, TARSIER 117, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police.
Volunteers from Holy Name University and the University of Bohol also assisted in running the event.
Organizers said that despite financial constraints, they were able to stage what they called a world-class sporting event that strengthened Bohol’s standing as a hub for sports tourism and community collaboration, while highlighting the value of investing in youth athlete development.
They thanked all partners, sponsors and volunteers, saying the festival would not have been possible without their support.
Preparations are already underway for the Bohol Glow in the Dark 2027 edition and other sports-tourism initiatives organizers said are expected to boost Bohol economy.