17/03/2026
๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ: ๐๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ข๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ค๐ข๐ฆ๐๐จ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฏ๐จ๐๐๐๐ฒ
Fifty-four youth from Dapitan and Dipolog took part in a dynamic initiative combining sports, environmental stewardship, and drug prevention during the Skimboarding Clinic and Certification Program on March 15, 2026, at the Alexandra by the Sea Function Hall.
Jointly organized by the Local Government Units of Dapitan and Dipolog under Mayor Evelyn T. Uy and Mayor Roberto Y. Uy, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte led by Governor Darel Dexter Uy, the program partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT) IX, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) IX, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Designed to develop participantsโ skimboarding skills, the program also promoted responsible tourism, environmental awareness, and a drug-free lifestyle. By professionalizing skimboarding, participants learned the skills to become local instructors and eco-guides, transforming the sport into a potential livelihood that supports coastal tourism in the region.
โThrough sports tourism such as skimboarding, we provide young people with opportunities to develop their talents while contributing to the growth of our coastal destinations,โ said DOT IX Regional Director Dara May L. Cataluรฑa, expressing appreciation for Dapitan Cityโs hosting and continued commitment to youth development.
The training was led by expert coaches from Sali-Argao Boardriding and Adventure, Inc., headed by professional trainer Jose Mar Magtagad of Argao, Cebu. Participants first underwent an orientation on safety and proper techniques before moving to hands-on training at Sunset Boulevard under professional supervision.
Beyond athletic skills, the program emphasized social responsibility. PDEA Agent May M. Saband led a drug-awareness session, highlighting the importance of maintaining a drug-free environment within sports communities.
โThis program is about guiding participants toward positive opportunities, engaging them in meaningful activities that build discipline and resilience while steering them away from illegal drugs,โ said PDEA IX Regional Director Bryan D. Babang. To reinforce this commitment, participants signed the โYouth Commitment to a Drug-Free Communityโ.
Environmental responsibility was also a core focus. David J. Manjaal, Forester II of DENR, conducted an orientation on responsible coastal practices, marine ecosystem protection, and waste management, followed by a coastal clean-up activity.
The program concluded with the formation of skimboarding associations in both cities, electing officers to lead future activities and initiatives:
๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐ผ๐น๐ผ๐ด ๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ธ๐ถ๐บ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป:
President: Stepen I. Carcueva
Vice President: Jeff Eljone Ronino G. Etom
Secretary: Jamie Lynn A. Lacaya
Public Information Officer: Jashiemar P. Monilla
Treasurer: Howard Dwayne B. Balase
Auditor: Daimler Vinci C. Sugordiano
๐๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฆ๐ธ๐ถ๐บ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป:
President: Heidi B. Padaong
Vice President: John Carlo Jutingo
Secretary: Francine Kaye T. Acabal
Public Information Officer: Francis Andriane P. Magbojos
Treasurer: Gelbem Z. Quizo
Auditor: Clyde S. Maghinay Jr.
To ensure sustainability, the skimboards used during training were entrusted to the local governments, allowing participants to continue practicing and refining their skills. Through the strong collaboration of national agencies and local governments, the initiative demonstrates how sports, environmental responsibility, and social advocacy can empower the youth while boosting coastal tourism in Zamboanga del Norte.
