NUSTAR Resort Cebu officially announced the return of the NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta 2026, reaffirming its commitment to positioning Cebu as a premier sports tourism destination while bringing together athletes, communities, and advocates of inclusivity for one of the country’s most anticipated water sports events.
Set to take place from September 18 to 20, 2026, the three-day regatta promises a bigger and more exciting edition following the success of its inaugural staging. More than a race, the event celebrates teamwork, resilience, diversity, and community spirit, welcoming local and international paddlers, sports enthusiasts, partners, and supporters to Cebu.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the NUSTAR Ballroom, attended by representatives from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Cebu City Government, Department of Tourism Region VII (DOT-7), Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF), Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS), together with NUSTAR executives, brand partners, and members of the media.
The official races will be held on September 19 and 20 at the NUSTAR Boardwalk, where teams will battle it out on a 200-meter straight course across seven competitive divisions. The regatta is open to both local and international teams, regardless of federation affiliation, reinforcing its goal of making the event more accessible and globally competitive.
“Last year’s inaugural regatta was more than a sporting eventβit was a celebration of teamwork, diversity, and community,” said Sean Knights, Chief Operating Officer of NUSTAR Resort Cebu. “This year, we are building on that momentum as we welcome the dragon boat community back for an even bigger and more exciting event. Through this regatta, we also hope to contribute to Cebu’s continued growth as a premier sports tourism destination. With the support of the Cebu local government, the Department of Tourism, and the Philippine Sports Commission, we are confident that we are moving in the right direction.”
This year’s competition will feature seven race categories:
- Premier Open Standard Boat DB22
- Premier Mixed Standard Boat DB22
- Premier Women Small Boat DB12
- Premier Open Small Boat Corporate DB12
- Senior-A Open Small Boat DB12
- 24U Open Small Boat DB12
- Para-Dragon 1 Open Small Boat DB12
Strengthening this year’s edition is NUSTAR’s partnership with the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF), which will oversee the technical race management and operations, and the Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS), which will manage athlete participation and event coordination, further underscoring the regatta’s commitment to inclusivity.
“Our partnership with NUSTAR is a testament to what can be achieved when world-class hospitality and a purpose-driven organization come together,” said JP Maunes, Founder of Philippine Accessible Disability Services (PADS). “Together, we are elevating the NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta into a premier international sporting event that drives sports tourism while championing the power of inclusion. By placing adaptive athletes on the same stage as elite competitors, we are proving that true excellence is measured not only by performance, but by the opportunities we create for everyone. Together, we are building a legacy where sport unites communities, breaks barriers, and inspires the world.”
Beyond the races, the NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta reflects the resort’s long-term vision of supporting Cebu’s emergence as a regional hub for international sporting events. By attracting athletes, spectators, and visitors from across the Philippines and abroad, the event contributes to tourism, stimulates local businesses, encourages community participation, and creates lasting partnerships that benefit the region.
“This is a monumental event not just for NUSTAR, as the integrator of the private sector and national and local government agencies, but also for Cebu as we continue our aspiration of becoming a premier and iconic sports tourism destination,” said Katrina Mae de Jesus, Vice President for Business Development of NUSTAR Resort Cebu.
Registration is now open, with regular fees set at PHP 2,000 per participant for domestic teams and USD 50 per participant for international teams. Discounted registration rates are available at PHP 1,600 for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and PHP 1,000 for students. The deadline for payment and submission of all required race documents is August 15, 2026.
To enhance the experience for participating teams, registered athletes may also avail themselves of exclusive accommodation packages at Fili Hotel Cebu and NUSTAR Hotel Cebu for stays from September 18 to 21, 2026. Packages include two nights’ accommodation, participation fees, daily breakfast for up to two guests, and complimentary airport shuttle service.
The NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta 2026 is supported by the Department of Tourism, the Cebu City Government, the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation, and the Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc., reflecting a shared commitment to advancing sports excellence, inclusivity, and tourism in Cebu.
For more information, visit the NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta 2026 Official Facebook Page, visit www.nustar.ph, or call (032) 888-8282.
