THE ASSOCIATION’S story began when the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) introduced dragon boating in Bohol through the efforts of retired Gen. Charlie Holganza and his group in 2011. During this historic meeting at the Bohol governor’s mansion, members of the PDBF presented inspiring clips of the Philippine Team that excelled in international races, and the discipline team members have developed because of the sport.
In a conversation, Dr. Theodore “Doyet” Dumaluan said, “I was one of those invited during the initial talk. They wanted to host a major race event, and as part of the activity, they wanted to train and coordinate with us as their local partner.” Dr. Dumaluan was so encouraged and convinced about dragon boating that he recommended it shouldn’t be a one-time event, but a sustainable program. “And the way for it to happen is to build our own boats,” added Dumaluan. Rising to the occasion, the provincial government of Bohol sponsored two short boats, another boat came from Sandugo Foundation, while the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants subsidized one other short boat.
Since the group envisioned itself as more than just a dragon boating club, it adopted the name Bohol Paddlers Club as an umbrella organization for all paddling sports. It was then registered as an association, the Bohol Paddlers Association, Inc. (BPAi), with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Dumaluan is the remaining officer from the original set of officers.
“Before the PDBF big event in 2012, we were trained by PDBF Coach Anabs. Thereafter, we organized the first-ever local race called Inato Dragon Boat Race, which was held at the Dauis promenade,” Dumaluan shared. This race was participated in by local teams, which were formed out of enthusiastic Boholanos who responded to the sport. Moreover, it was in preparation for a bigger event called the Battle of Champions, which saw sixteen teams, mostly from Luzon, join. “It was a proud moment for us to have hosted such a big competition,” enthused Dr. Doyet. The BPAi has since conducted local races to keep the sport attractive to sport aficionados, locals, and the rest of the Bol-anons.
“When the 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Bohol in 2013 and damaged the Abatan bridge in Maribojoc, Bohol, our boats were used to ferry people and goods across the river for more than a week, paddled by volunteers,” Dumaluan explained. “Years later, when typhoon Seniang hit Bohol, the same boats were used to rescue people in Loboc,” he continued.
BPAi is delighted to say its greatest accomplishment so far is the introduction of dragon boating in the region, starting with Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, using locally-made boats. They believe that dragon boating is not just about competition, but a development that impacts many people and the different sectors of the community.
The association has been around since 2012. In the early years of its origin, keeping the organization alive was a very daunting task. “We persevered owing to the joy we experienced during officers’ meetings, where we feasted on food each time,” explained Dr. Doyet.
Since the association is the first and only dragon boat group in the region, they ensure that every detail is meticulously met each time they organize a race. These preparation phases include paddling training and setting up logistical support. From experience, they knew that it involved a lengthy process and forms part of their evolution as a group.
Moving forward, the association aspires to institutionalize dragon boating in local government units and the academe, to train leaders by instilling discipline as part of personal growth and empowerment, and create a stir province-wide, from which they can form, grow, and produce an elite team to represent the association in national competitions. Moreover, the BPAi envisions a captivating, unique, and sustainable international dragon boat race that would entice global paddlers yearly.
Come April 18-19, 2026, “Glow in the Dark International Dragon Boat Festival 2026” will happen at the Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City, island-province of Bohol. For more particulars, please visit https://boholpaddlersassociation.org/events/7.
BPAi is led by Dr. Theodore Dumaluan, President; Asterio Pocot, Vice President; Dominic Aparicio, Treasurer; Joseph Loseñada, Secretary; Naty Celada-Oson, Liaison Officer; Lourd Pocon, Designer; Jay Paul Aying, Software Developer; Jerameel Decasa, Communication Officer; and Bryann Panes, Member President. Retired Maj. Gen. Dennis Agustin oversees sponsorship and marketing, while Jess Bernasor is the planning consultant. The officers are all committed volunteers who, apart from enjoying the sport and camaraderie, desire to positively contribute to the advancement of the sport in Bohol and raise disciplined enthusiasts and athletes.
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