FEATI University

FEATI University to hold first ever Dragon Boat event on Pasig River FEATI University is hard at work to make sure the first ever Dragon Boat event on December 4, 2011 makes a huge splash. FEATI's "Race to Raise" Campaign Awareness for the Pasig River is ready to break the surface. Partners for the event are the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, Manila Sports Council and the Philippine Canoe-Kayak Federation. FEATI University has also secured the commitment and participation of the Philippine Coast Guard, Manila City government, and the Intramuros Administration. Likewise expected to throw their support behind this event are DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas, PSC Chairman Richie Garcia, POC Chairman Peping Cojuangco, and Gina Lopez of ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan. "Caring for the environment has long been an advocacy for us at FEATI. We have recently led and participated in such events as a green fashion show, a rock band competition for the environment, and tree planting at the La Mesa Watershed. This time we want to really focus on and raise awareness for Pasig River as a convenient location for this water sport, most especially since FEATI University is located right beside it. At present it's Manila Bay that's being used for practice and competition so it's about time the Pasig River gets to be front and center of attention," says Melanie P. Florentino, Head of FEATI University Events & Promotions department. Aside from taking the sport to the Pasig River, other objectives of what is probably the most logistically-challenging event for the 65-year old academic institution would be to encourage dragon boat racers, enthusiasts, pros and non-pros, men and women to sign up and participate in this fund-raising competition, proceeds of which will go to the collective effort of cleaning up the Pasig River. In addition the event will draw attention to the ongoing clean-up efforts so that a large number of the general public may realize that there's still a lot of work ahead and that everyone's cooperation is needed; and serve to introduce the sport of dragon boat racing to college students in Manila. In addition to cash prizes, medals and trophies, winning teams will get the chance to compete against the premier team, the Philippine National Dragon Boat Team, currently competing in the SEA games. "Thus far, 20 teams have signed up and we are expecting more teams to join as the event date gets closer. We are really working and pushing hard for this event to create a major ripple to benefit the Pasig River rehabilitation efforts. We are racing for a major advocacy so we are optimistic that sponsors and partners won't think twice when we ask for their help and support.