TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur — The waters of the Agusan River took on a different rhythm as dragon boat teams from across the Philippines converged in Talacogon for the 2026
Talacogon Pangadu Festival Invitational Dragon Boat Race, held from November 12 to 13, bringing competition, camaraderie, and a new sporting experience to the municipality.
For Talacogon, the event marked its first experience hosting a dragon boat competition on their town’s portion of the long and mighty Agusan River. It also became a highlight of the
municipality’s Pangadu Festival, adding a distinctive sporting attraction to the community celebration.
In a public message following the competition, Mayor Pauline Marie R. Masendo expressed her gratitude to the participating teams, recognizing the excitement and sense of community the event brought to the municipality.
“Thank you so much for bringing joy, excitement, and entertainment to our municipality, Team Dragon Boat!” the mayor wrote.
She also reflected on the significance of holding the competition on the Agusan River, saying that through the teams’ participation, the community was able to appreciate even more “the beauty and potential of our river.”
“You have truly made our Pangadu Festival more colorful, lively, and memorable,” Masendo added. “Your presence added a unique experience to our celebration and brought our
community together through sportsmanship, unity, and camaraderie.”
The competition had 11 teams participating on race day. Together, the participating teams accounted for 219 rostered participants. Another 25 technical race officials and crew came from Manila, Cebu, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, and General Santos City to support the competition.
A total of 36 races were completed over two race days, covering three 300-meter categories: DB12 Mixed, DB12 Open, and DB18 Mixed.
The Philippine Coast Guard Dragon Boat Team emerged as overall champion with 260 points, followed by The Hamlet Dragons of Iligan City with 190 points and BXU x CGY Oro Dragons with 180 points.
The Philippine Coast Guard also won two category titles, taking the DB12 Mixed 300M in 1:53.17 and the DB18 Mixed 300M in 1:46.30. RMMC Bluefins claimed the DB12 Open 300M championship with a time of 1:49.44.
Barangay Carmen Dragon Boat Team finished fourth overall with 160 points, while RMMC Bluefins and Ricspeed tied at 140 points, placing fifth and sixth, respectively. Gladiators Davao, Siargao Dragons, Samal Dragons, Talacogon Dragons, and Kagay-an Golden Paddlers completed the overall standings.
The participating teams represented Iligan City, General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro City, Siargao Island, Samal Island, Butuan City, Davao City, Manila, and host municipality Talacogon.
Beyond the competition, the gathering highlighted the potential of the Agusan River along the Agusan del Sur portion as a venue for water-sport activities and community events. It also provided an opportunity for athletes to compete alongside teams from other cities and islands, strengthening connections through sport.
The participation of technical officials and crew from several parts of the country further demonstrated the coordination and technical requirements involved in staging a multi-team
sporting competition.
In her message, Mayor Masendo expressed hope that the teams would return to Talacogon, closing with a warm invitation: “We hope to welcome you back to Talacogon again!”
The 2026 Talacogon Pangadu Festival Invitational Dragon Boat Race was organized by the local government unit of Talacogon, and officiated by Thousand Paddles, Bugsay Mindanao, with digital workflow support from OTX Flow by One Tadhana Inc.
For Talacogon, the event was not only about who crossed the finish line first. It was also about discovering new possibilities for the Agusan River, welcoming visitors into the community, and bringing people together through a shared experience of sport.
