Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team calls on President Aquino

President Benigno S. Aquino III received the members of the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team during a courtesy call at the President’s Hall of Malacañang Palace on Monday (Oct. 27).

Upon entering the room, President Aquino warmly greeted the Philippine Army paddlers, led by team leader and president Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc.

He shook hands with the team members, who were proudly wearing their gold medals, which they bagged during the 9th International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships held in Ravenna, Italy last September.

The team gave honor to the country for setting two world records by winning the competition’s 200- and 500-meter small boat open categories.

The members of the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team were: steersman Technical Sergeant Franco Tinoco; paddlers Senior Sergeant Joemar Ocquiana, Sergeant Ronald Tan, Private First Class Ramie Llano, Private First Class Gerald Dela Cruz, Private First Class Hardy Pabulayan, Private First Class Cresmark Dayumat, Senior Sergeant Romy John Dionio, Senior Sergeant Usman Anterola, Senior Sergeant Salvador Sumagaysay, Sergeant Rodrigo Tanuan Jr., Private First Class Romel Donesa, Private First Class Rame Llano, and Private First Class Gil Martin Gonzales; and drummer Private First Class Jayson dela Cruz.

Also present during the courtesy call were National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gregorio Pio Catapang, and Army Chief Hernando Iriberri. (PCOO News Release)