With eyes set on the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, and the 2026 ICF World Dragon Boat Championships in Regina, Canada, Team Philippines is paddling full speed ahead — not just in training, but in transforming its coaching game.
To build on recent international triumphs, the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation (PCKDF) has launched a national coaching initiative aimed at elevating the standards of dragon boat coaching across the country.
The program kicked off with the PCKDF’s inaugural Level 1 National Dragon Boat Coaching Seminar in Manila and will soon expand to key hubs including Puerto Princesa, Cebu, and Davao.
“This is more than a seminar — it’s the beginning of a nationwide movement,” said PCKDF President Leonora Escollante. “We’re laying the groundwork for a new generation of Filipino coaches: science-based, purpose-driven, and committed to shaping athletes into holistic individuals.”
National head coach Duchess Francine Co highlighted the crucial role of coaching in the Philippines’ recent medal haul at the 2023 World Championships held in Puerto Princesa City. Filipino paddlers bagged 11 gold, 20 silver, and eight bronze medals — a significant leap from their previous record of six golds at the 2018 championships in Gainesville, USA.
“This initiative represents a pivotal moment in PCKDF’s push to professionalize coaching through scientific methods,” Co said.
The three-day seminar, facilitated by PCKDF’s Rona Joy Bulaong, covered a range of essential topics, including biomechanics, injury prevention, skill development, sports nutrition, and mental health, all geared toward empowering coaches with tools to bring out the best in Filipino paddlers.
Team Philippines is positioning itself as a formidable force for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, and the 2026 ICF World Dragon Boat Championships in Regina, Canada.
