THE coastal city of Dumaguete was the site of the recently held 2nd Pioneer National Bangkarera, as part of Republic Chemical Industries, Incorporated’s 60th anniversary celebration.
Thousands gathered along the city’s main thoroughfare, Rizal Boulevard, to catch the action as 40 teams of fishing boats made up of 144 entries from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao braved the challenging waters to register impressive times.
The competition had four categories: the 16HP (Open Category), 7HP (Open Category), 7HP (Angat Sa Dagat Category) and the Paddle Boat (Open Category).
Team Pirata of Iligan City ruled the premier 16HP Open Category and pocketed the top purse of P110,000, followed by Team Aranicole of Bulacan (P80,000) and Team Boracay (P50,000).
“We were inspired about helping people with the way they do their living and at the same time use our products to protect and preserve the environment,” said John Spakowski II, RCI Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Republic Chemical Industries is the maker of Pioneer Epoxy bonds, paints and sealants. The race celebrates fishing as a dignified source of livelihood as well as display the high quality of Pioneer adhesives–the preferred brand of the fishermen-participants.
Conservation efforts
As part of the festivities, Pioneer Adhesives Foundation, Inc. (PAFI), led by Executive Director Martina Spakowski, collaborated with the Siliman University Marine Labs to conduct the Reef Fix project in Dumaguete.
The Reef Fix project is part of “Our Earth, Our Responsibility”, PAFI’s environmental campaign that responds to the growing harmful effects of global warming on our environment.
During the Reef Fix project in Dumaguete, 10 volunteer divers participated and dove into the sea of Siliman Beach to remove the damaging Drupella and Coralliophilia from the coral reef.
The project has also initiated activities to repair 4,600 corals as part of sustained efforts to protect marine sanctuaries in Puerto Princesa, Boracay, Alaminos and Dumaguete City to improve fish catch. Some 11,200 mangroves were also planted by about 1,815 volunteers.