22/08/2026
Growing Rowing, Growing Community 🇵🇭🚣♀️
The Philippine Rowing Association was proud to be part of Iloilo City’s 3rd Paddling Festival, joining the local paddling community in celebrating the growth of water sports in the city.
As part of the festivities, members of the Philippine National Rowing Team conducted a rowing clinic, followed by a rowing demonstration led by our very own national athletes. While rowing and paddling disciplines have their own unique traditions and communities, we were honored to share our sport and be welcomed into an event that brings people together through the water.
A significant milestone during the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement to establish an Open Academy of Rowing (OAR) branch in Iloilo. The program will be supported by former national rowing athletes who have transitioned into coaching, working alongside the Iloilo City LGU to develop more opportunities for young athletes and grow the sport at the grassroots level.
In partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission, the PRA also donated four rowing boats — two double sculls and two single sculls — complete with oars, providing the foundation for Iloilo’s emerging rowing program.
Our sincere thanks to the Iloilo City Local Government, the Philippine Sports Commission, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, and PSC Commissioner Fritz Gaston, who personally accompanied the team throughout the visit. We are equally grateful to the Iloilo paddling community for the warm welcome and for creating a space where different disciplines can come together, learn from one another, and grow.
From a paddling festival to a new rowing academy, Iloilo is taking another step toward building a stronger sporting community.
One boat, one athlete, one community at a time — we keep growing rowing. 🇵🇭🚣♂️
Philippine Sports Commission POC - Philippine Olympic Committee - Olympic.PH MVP Sports Foundation, Inc. Maynilad Water Services, Inc. SMART Sports Fitpad Fitness QC Made by Madkahuna
