CEBU CITY — Forty teams with 1,358 registered paddlers have signed up for the 2nd NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta, doubling the field from last year's inaugural edition and positioning the event as one of the largest dragon boat festivals ever staged in the Philippines.
Organizers confirmed the record turnout during a press conference held at NUSTAR Resort Cebu on July 29, 2026. The competition is scheduled for September 19 to 20, 2026, on a 200-meter straight course at the NUSTAR Boardwalk in Kawit Island, Cebu City.
Field More Than Doubles From Inaugural Year
Of the 40 registered teams, 33 are local clubs and seven are international entries — a significant jump from the 20 teams and 621 paddlers that competed in last year's maiden edition, according to organizers.
John Paul "JP" Maunes, president and chief executive officer of the Philippine Accessible Disability Services (PADS), said the response far exceeded expectations.
"This is not an international competition, but we were able to attract international teams," Maunes said, adding that the growing field reflects Cebu's rising standing in the dragon boating community.
NUSTAR Resort Cebu Vice President for Business Development Katrina Mae De Jesus said the overwhelming response to the inaugural event was the driving force behind staging a larger competition in 2026.
Three Organizations Lead the Event
The regatta is organized by NUSTAR Resort Cebu, PADS, and the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF), with PDBF represented by Secretary General Atty. Jay Pee Villanueva. The event is staged in partnership with several government agencies and private organizations.
The inaugural staging last year drew approximately 3,880 participants and spectators over the weekend — a figure that organizers said surpassed their original projections.
Seven Racing Divisions on a 200-Meter Course
Competition will be contested across seven divisions, catering to a wide range of paddling communities — from elite clubs and corporate teams to youth athletes, para-athletes, and breast cancer survivor groups. The full lineup of divisions is:
- Premier Open Standard Boat (DB22)
- Premier Mixed Standard Boat (DB22)
- Premier Women Small Boat (DB12)
- Premier Open Small Boat – Corporate (DB12)
- Senior-A Open Small Boat (DB12)
- 24U Open Small Boat (DB12)
- Para-Dragon 1 Open Small Boat (DB12)
Entries are expected from elite clubs, corporate teams, youth paddlers, para-athletes, government agencies, and community-based organizations from both the Philippines and abroad, according to organizers.
PSC Backs Cebu as Dragon Boat Capital
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Edward Hayco has previously backed a push to establish Cebu as the country's premier venue for dragon boat regattas, as part of a longer-term sports tourism strategy championed by PSC Chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio.
Hayco, credited with pioneering Cebu's grassroots dancesport program, said dragon boating holds significant potential to boost both sports tourism and community participation across the province. With registrations now more than doubled from the inaugural year, organizers said they believe Cebu is firmly establishing itself as a destination for national and international dragon boat competitions.
Race Kits, Accommodation, and Registration Deadlines
Participating teams were reminded to complete all registration requirements, payment verification, and test water bookings ahead of race weekend. Registered paddlers will receive an official race kit that includes an event singlet and an ID with lanyard, as well as admission to the Fellowship Night and Awarding Dinner.
Accommodation packages have been arranged through NUSTAR Hotel and Fili Hotel for both local and international participants, organizers said.
By the Numbers
- 40 — total teams registered for the 2026 regatta
- 1,358 — total registered paddlers
- 33 — local teams participating
- 7 — international teams competing
- 20 — teams in the inaugural 2025 edition
- 621 — paddlers in the inaugural 2025 edition
- 3,880 — total participants and spectators in 2025
- 200 meters — length of the straight racing course
- 7 — racing divisions in the 2026 competition
Why This Matters
The doubling of both teams and paddlers in just one year signals rapid growth for competitive dragon boating in Cebu, validating the Philippine Sports Commission's push to establish the city as the country's dragon boat capital. The inclusion of seven international teams and dedicated divisions for para-athletes and youth paddlers broadens the event's reach well beyond elite competition. For Cebu, the regatta represents a concrete step in developing sports tourism as a driver of visitor arrivals and community engagement.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of NUSTAR Resort Cebu