On the two-day event starting from March 15–16, the local government unit (LGU) of Pio Duran, Albay, held its first ever national boat race, dubbed “bancarera,” in the coastal area.
At least 30 boats joined the competition, which was divided into two categories: 7.5 and 16–18 horsepower (hp) engines, which were operated by participants from different provinces of Albay, Batangas, Camsur, Laguna, Sorsogon, Bacolod, Cavite, Palawan, Romblon, and Quezon Province.
Mercedes Napa, committee chair of the event, emphasized the significance of launching the event, highlighting the rich maritime heritage, including the livelihoods deeply rooted within the town.
“We are launching this not only for the purpose of competing but because we want to be recognized in the whole world, and at the same time, ‘yong mga mangingisda namin, sila talaga ang binibigyan namin ng pagkakataon na mabigyan ng recognition,” Napa said.
Napa also added that the event is not new for them, as they have been annually organizing local bancarera races in their coastal town since 2016.
Atty. Gabriel “Gabz” Octava, the event coordinator from Cavite, shared their efforts in reaching various teams from different places to ensure their participation in the event, especially considering the distance of Pio Duran from their areas.
“Kinumbinsi talaga namin na mag-participate sila (participants), kahit malayo para ma-promote ‘yong sports naming bancarera sa bansa, huwag sana nating hintuan ang ating sports given na ito ang number one sports ng mga fishermen sa buong Pilipinas,” Octava said.
Meanwhile, Christian Garcia, 41, from Batangas, secured the championship title in the 7.5-hp category, receiving a trophy, certificate, and P50,000 cash prize.
Roginald Toledo, 24, from Quezon Province, bagged the championship award for the 16-18 hp category. He received a trophy and certificate, along with a cash prize of P60,000 pesos for this year’s national bancarera.
Further, Rochen Toledo, brother of Roginald, was declared the first runner-up.
Despite having experienced problems with the machines as well as minor injuries during their first day, the team of Toledo brothers managed to defeat Mustang 22 operated by Paul John Bermundo from Batangas, who grabbed the second runner-up award for this year’s national bancarera.
Said bancarera is still in line with the Tinapa Festival, which runs from March 9 to March 16.| Lyzha Mae Agnote