PADS Paradragons chase fourth world title in Taiwan

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS) Adaptive Dragonboat Racing Team, backed by International Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IPI) and Omega Pain Killer, is currently in Taiwan chasing its fourth major world title in the prestigious Paradragon division of the 15th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Club Crew World Championships (CCWC) 2026.

Running from August 29 to September 6, the global competition features an estimated 5,500 athletes from 22 countries competing across the 200-meter, 500-meter and 2,000-meter race categories.

Team Manager JP Ecarma Maunes said PADS sent 45 paddlers, primarily para-athletes, to represent the Philippines on the international stage in Hualien.

Reflecting on the team’s intensive six-month training and their determination to return to international competition stronger than ever, head coach Alberto Hugo assured supporters that the crew is ready to fight for another championship.

“Ang pangako ko lang sa inyo ay hindi namin kayo bibiguin. We will bring home the bacon,” he said during the team’s send-off.

Team captain Owen Luceno echoed the confidence, saying the crew is more than 100 percent ready after spending the past two years testing its strength against able-bodied teams in local races across the Philippines.

While the team remained active in domestic competitions during that period, financial limitations kept the three-time world champions from returning to the international stage, forcing them to miss the 2024 world championships in Italy and the 2025 edition in Germany.

Their long-awaited return became possible when International Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IPI) and Omega Pain Killer stepped in as sponsors, providing the support needed to bring the 45-member delegation to Taiwan and resume the team’s pursuit of a fourth world title.

The partnership carries added significance for the paddlers, who spent years training under the Marcelo Fernan Bridge near the IPI depot while hoping that the company they had long looked to for support would eventually back their campaign.

That wish has now materialized as Omega provides recovery support and the two sides unite behind a shared “combating spirit” and the message, “tuloy-tuloy ang galaw, tuloy lang ang laban,” as the Paradragons carry their battle cry, “Bugsay hangtod mabuang!”