Quezon City — December 2, 2025
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The future of Philippine rowing took center stage as over 100 young athletes gathered at the UP Community Court, University Hotel, UP Diliman, for the 2nd Philippine Indoor Rowing Meet, co-organized by the Philippine Rowing Association (PRA) and DuckWorld PH.
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The event marked a major milestone in expanding access to rowing nationwide, with rowing enthusiasts of all ages and participants from schools and local clubs in Metro Manila competing in various indoor rowing challenges. Beyond the races, the day also celebrated the launch of the Open Academy of Rowing (OAR) — a new grassroots program designed to recruit, train, and develop future members of the national rowing team.
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Then PRA president Patrick Gregorio said the organization continues to collaborate with local government units to further implement programs for young athletes. “I sincerely believe that Filipinos can excel globally in rowing. We just have to encourage more Filipinos to take up the sport,” Gregorio said.
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Olympians Inspire the Next Generation
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The event was headlined by Filipina Olympian Joanie Delgaco, who proudly represented the country in Paris 2024, alongside fellow Olympians Cris Nievarez (Tokyo 2020), Benjie Tolentino (Sydney 2000), and Edgardo Maerina (Seoul 1988).
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Delgaco shared her journey from humble beginnings in Bicol to competing on the world stage, inspiring young athletes to keep pushing forward despite challenges. “We were renting a house and it was really hard. There were times that we went to sleep without eating dinner,” she recalled. “But when I started a career in rowing, I was able to help my family.”
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Building the Future of Philippine Rowing
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According to national coach Maricon Fornea, the PRA is working to expand the national team roster in preparation for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok. The OAR initiative will serve as a key pipeline for identifying emerging talent across the country.
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DuckWorld PH played a vital role in the event’s organization, media, and community engagement efforts, ensuring that the program not only reached athletes but also inspired more Filipinos to take interest in rowing as a sport.
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The PRA also announced plans to launch new rowing academies nationwide, including one in Siargao Island, focusing on beach sprint rowing—a discipline set to make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles 2028.
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A Wave of Opportunity
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From indoor machines to open waters, the 2nd Philippine Indoor Rowing Meet proved that the country’s rowing community is stronger than ever. With DuckWorld PH supporting the PRA in organizing, managing, and promoting the meet, the event became a celebration of community, growth, and the shared belief that Filipino athletes can rise to global success — one stroke at a time.
