Davao tankers rule swim across Sarangani Bay

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

GLAN, Sarangani (May 17, 2008) - The Sta. Cruz Seafoods Inc. swim team of Davao City bested seven other teams Saturday (May 17) to rule this year's 15-kilometer relay across Sarangani Bay in 3:17:05 hours.

But last year's record by Dadiangas Torpedoes of 2:50:15.23 hours remains.

Dadiangas Torpedoes did not field a team this time.

Sta. Cruz' clocking is an improvement from the 04:05:18 posted by the Torpedoes of General Santos City in 2006.

The swim across the bay is one of the highlights of Sarangani Bay Festival initiated by Governor Migs Dominguez in 2006.

The bay crossing from Kamanga, Maasim to Tango, Glan carries the top prize of P50,000, P30,000 for the second prize and P15,000 for third.

Sta. Cruz team coach JC Empig was proud of their winning formula. "Teamwork," he said, helped them make it to first place.

Carlo Rodriguez was delighted his team improved this year from a runner-up place last year.

Sta. Cruz is composed of Rodriguez, 23; Allan Jovero, 18; Borgey Angala, 16; Roy Lapiz, 18; and Haroon Cali, 20. All of them are from Davao City except for Lapiz of General Santos City.

The South Cotabato team ranked second place with 3:20:14 hours.

South Cotabato team manager Engr. Edgar Datlangin said he was satisfied of his team's performance.

"We have tried our best and had a rigid training. Even though they only got the second place but at least they have proven na kaya nilang sumabay sa labanan sa open sea," Datlagin added.

Swim organizer Nemrad Butil said the competition started exactly 6:10am. in Kamanga, Maasim escorted by Maasim Mayor Jojo Lopez in a speed boat.

Butil said the swim this year was expected to take longer because each contestant should observe the 3-minute swim, unlike in other years where swimmers can relieve anytime.

"Three minutes in the water is required for each swimmer before the relay takes place," Butil explained.

Butil said Capitol marshals were deployed while personnel from the Marines, Navy and PNP maritime secured the relay.

The official clocking are: Sta. Cruz team - 3:17:05; South Cotabato - 3:20:14, Sultan Team - 3:21:24, DRL Kamanga - 3:21:32, Power Pines - 3:23:03: Tinoto Dolphins - 3:23:28; Oceania Team - 3:26:19; Glan Dugong. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)