First-ever Columbia Recyclable Regatta a success in Subic

Subic Bay Freeport, 05/14/2012 - Amidst the scourging heat of the Sunday sun and some light wind at Subic Bay, 11 boats all made from different recycled materials started and crossed the finish in a breeze during the first-ever recyclable regatta at The Lighthouse Marina Resort beachfront.

The event started early Sunday morning, as boats lined up at shore. After some last minute adjustments and trials, all the competitors were briefed by the race committee, including race officer Thumbie Remigio who explained to the participants that the race would be divided into groups and the winner of each group would advance to the finals. He added that event organizers also got the help of the SBMA Harbor Patrol and The Lighthouse Marina Resort for the use two of their rubber boats to ensure the safety of the participants while paddling in the water.

After the final race was done for the all-men and mix categories, Team Lighthouse Marina Resort was declared champion for both while 13-year-old Ojay Fuentes and 14-year-old Jairus Molina from the Philippine Canoe and Kayak Federation copped the all-men division and the duo of Leizel Gilbero and Jaja Arcega from the UP mountaineering group topped the mix division.

In the face of the world-wide problem on waste management, especially with the use of plastic, this event demonstrates that with a little creativity and a lot of resourcefulness, we can turn what others consider as trash into something useful - like a floating device that may even safe a life in the future.

With The Lighthouse Marina Resort as backdrop and event host, a pair paddle their way through Subic Bay in a creatively crafted vessel made from recycled plastic bottles and other "trash".