CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A total of 127 local and international swimmers joined the Swimjunkie Challenge held May 4 in Mambajao, Camiguin. The event was organized by the local government to support sports tourism.
“Kini nga aktibidades gitambayayongan gyud sa komunidad ever since nagsugod atong mga sports tourism event,” said Mambajao Sports Coordinator Gilbert Grado.
(These activities have truly been supported by the community ever since our sports tourism events began.)
Now in its third year, the Swimjunkie Challenge is part of the province’s sports tourism program, supported by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the local government of Sagay. The event included three race categories covering different routes: a 2km swim along the black sand beach, a 5km swim near White Island, and an 8km course covering multiple areas.
Grado said participant safety was a priority, with a route mapped out and designated stations manned by the PCG and healthcare volunteers.
“My swim junkie life is the best! Meeting incredible open water swimmers from different countries has been such a rewarding experience. So grateful for these new friendships forged in the water,” said swimmer Abdullah Kabir Pacudan.
Pacudan completed the race in two hours and six minutes, placing second in the men’s category. He previously placed third in 2023 with a time of two hours and 19 minutes, and second in 2024 at two hours and 10 minutes.
In the 8km swim, Elisabetta Nervi placed first in the women’s category, followed by Rhezel Jugar and Jo Lynn Teh. In the men’s category, Prince Sebastian Ragual finished first, with Loneco Pacudan second and Patrick Scott third.
In the 5km swim, Zita Clarke led the women’s category, followed by Bernadette Jacinto and Vanessa Raymundo. For the men’s division, Lern Pacudan secured first place, Jeje Pacudan came in second, and Desmond Joy Yap finished third.
For the 2km black beach swim, Ruby Tiu took first place in the women’s category, followed by Mary Louisse Danug and Yna Paula Gasino. In the men’s category, Miguel Lawrence Mahinay placed first, Wilfred Cutab second, and Ran Garner Sabang third.
Grado said events like this contribute to the province’s tourism.“Ang atong tourism sector kanunay gyud gatubo ang ilang mga kita, labi na kung naa ta’y sports tourism event nga gipahigayon nga adunay mga bisita nga muanha gyud sa atong isla,” he said.
(Our tourism sector has consistently experienced growth in its earnings, especially when we hold sports tourism events that bring visitors to our island.)
Camiguin’s sports tourism calendar will continue with the Camiguin Trail Race in July 2025 and Enduro Hill in September. Tourists and locals interested in participating can visit the official Facebook page of LGU Mambajao Sports. (Recthie Paculba / Henniequel Shayne Acobo)
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