Lakewood town holds 2nd ATM Bancarera’s competition

By Gideon C. Corgue

LAKEWOOD, Zamboanga del Sur, November 13 – About 50 boat racers participated in the largest pump boat race in Mindanao dubbed "2nd ATM Lakewood Bancarera 2023" at the port of barangay población here.

Engr. Aldrik Mirar, the president of the Rotary Club of Pagadian West and organizer of the event, said that the race is one of the highlights of the “Araw ng Lakewood’ celebration that is held every November 11.

"We are holding the 'bancarera' in the town because Mayor Doming Mirar asked me again to do the event because he observed that many people like to watch it," Mirar said.

Mirar added that he is also very proud and happy that Jennifer Pia Sibug-las, the chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) graced the ceremonial opening of the event.

He added that several people from other places came to their town to witness the pump boat race.

Oliver Tumbao, the Indigenous Mandatory Representative (IPMR) was also happy that the ‘bancarera’ race was held because the Subanen people had a lot of fun witnessing the event.

"I am thankful that for the second time the bancarera was held here in Lakewood where 1,200 Subanen people came down just to witness that race. They have never seen the pumpboat race because they live in the mountains," Tumbao said.

Meanwhile, Jason Bayaras, a 22-year-old boat racer from Dipolog City is very grateful to the boat racing organizer because he was given the opportunity to participate.

Bayaras emerged as the champion and received P50,000 in cash and a plaque of recognition from Engr. Mirar and IPMR Tumbao at the awarding ceremony on Saturday.

This year's winners are as follows: Champion-Team Pirata White received P50,000 cash prize; 1st runner-up - Pirata Bunkatapis, P30,000; 2nd runner up -Pirata Green, P15,000; and 3rd runner-up- Team Thailand, P5,000.

Apart from the cash, the winners also received a plaque of recognition and giveaways from the sponsors. (jcc/The Pagadian Times)