The Philippine Coast Guard Women’s Dragon Boat Team once again showcased its strength and discipline after securing the gold medal in the Premier Women Grand Final – 200-meter Small Boat event during the 2nd Leg of the 2026 Philippine Dragon Boat Federation Regatta held at the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach on May 24.
The PCG squad crossed the finish line with a winning time of 56.49 seconds, narrowly ahead of PNP Maritime Group, which registered 57.02 seconds. Rogue Pilipinas finished third with 58.42 seconds, while UP Dragonboat Team-A placed fourth with 59.42 seconds.
The race was one of the highlights of a long day of competition that featured 55 races and nearly 1,200 paddlers from 30 teams. From early morning until sunset, Manila Bay was filled with energy as teams battled through tight finishes and highly competitive races.
For the Philippine Coast Guard team, the victory was a reflection of months of sacrifice and preparation.
In an exclusive interview with DZRHTV, PCG Dragon Boat Team OIC ENS Ella Fe P. Niuda shared how much the win meant to the entire squad.
“Masaya at fulfilling sa buong team kasi malaking karangalan para sa Philippine Coast Guard Women’s Team na ma-declare bilang champions sa Women’s Small Boat category. Bukod doon, naging successful din ang performance ng team overall dahil nakuha rin ng Premier Open category (all men’s team) ang 1st place, gayundin ang Mixed category composed of both men and women,” Niuda said.
“Sobrang rewarding ng experience dahil ipinakita nito ang teamwork, dedication, training, at effort na inilaan ng bawat miyembro ng team. Talagang proud ang lahat sa naging resulta at sa opportunity na mai-represent nang maayos ang Philippine Coast Guard.”
Niuda also revealed the amount of discipline and commitment required behind the team’s success. According to her, the women’s team trains consistently from Monday to Friday, beginning as early as 5 a.m. and sometimes lasting until nearly noon.
“Ang women’s team dito sa Dolomite usually nagsa-start ng training as early as 5 AM. Tumatakbo ang sessions hanggang around 10 AM, at minsan umaabot pa hanggang 11 AM depende sa load. Monday to Friday ito, kaya consistent talaga ang training schedule namin,” she shared.
She also credited their coach, Isidro, a former national dragon boat athlete and gold medalist in Australia, for helping shape the team’s discipline and mindset.
“Kahit puyat at may kanya-kanyang duty outside training, araw-araw pa rin kaming bumabalik sa ensayo. It really builds discipline in us—hindi lang physical strength, kundi mental toughness din.”
For Niuda, dragon boat racing is a sport that demands not only endurance, but also resilience and determination.
“Sa sport na ito, kailangan talagang may endurance at grit, kaya minsan kahit babae ka, napipilitan kang maging ‘mas matatag’ or almost parang lalaki sa level ng resilience na kailangan.”
Beyond the gold medal finish, the victory also symbolized something deeper for the Philippine Coast Guard paddlers.
“Para sa team, this win is more than just a medal or a title—it is a promise to continue the legacy of the Philippine Dragon Boat Team,” Niuda said.
“Ibig sabihin nito, hindi lang siya personal achievement, kundi dedication para sa lahat ng nauna sa amin na nag-build ng sport na ito. We are carrying their legacy forward with pride and responsibility.”
She added that the team dedicates the victory to their families, supporters, and the sport itself.
“We dedicate this victory to our government, to our families who continuously support and sacrifice with us, and most importantly, sa sport mismo na nagbibigay sa amin ng purpose, discipline, and unity.”
