The Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) got four new world-class boats donated by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF).

According to PDBF Board Member Judith Hakim, this development will boost the country’s campaign for the 11th IDBF World Dragon Boat Championships scheduled in August in Szeged, Hungary.

“Four new Champions boats arrived. It was a momentous event for everyone. This is a great way to sustain the sport as far as our federation is concern. The teams affiliated with the PDBF are all happy with this development,” said Hakim during the simple boat blessing ceremony held at the Manila Ocean Park dock in Manila Bay.

Also in attendance are PDBF President Marcia Cristobal, Secretary Pinky Castillo, Treasurer Rhowie Enriquez, national team head coach Nestor Ilagan, team captain Usman Anterola and veteran paddlers Ruperto Sabijon and Ramie Llano.

The Filipino paddlers are looking to surpass their five-gold, two-silver output in the 10th edition of the world meet held in Tampa Bay, Florida a couple of years ago.

They will be defending their crowns in the Premier Open 500-meter, Men’s 1,000m, Premier Mixed 500m, Premier 200m Mixed and Premier Men’s 200m events. The got silver medals in the 200m All-Comers Men’s class and All-Comers Premier Mixed 500m categories.

“PDBF is a founding member of the IDBF and IDBF assists members all over the world in promoting and developing the sport. We would like to thank the IDBF,” added Hakim.

The Philippines proved to be a force to reckon with in international scene, having won numerous gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the World Championships.

The Filipino paddlers swept all six gold medals at stake in the 2005 Manila SEA Games held at the La Mesa Dam reservoir.