CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — A Cebu-based dragon boat team is strengthening its advocacy by promoting breast cancer awareness through sport, while calling on more survivors to join their growing community.
Pink Dragons Philippines, led by President and Team Captain Ma. Liberty Rañoa, a 16-year breast cancer survivor, is inviting breast cancer survivors to be part of the team, especially in line with Mother’s Day this May.
The group holds regular training every Saturday and Sunday at 5:30 a.m. at Il Corso Cebu, SRP, Cebu City, where survivors and members train together in a supportive environment.
Guided by Coach Christian Ian Sy, a certified dragon boat coach under the Philippine Paddling Federation, the team provides a safe and empowering space where members can regain strength and confidence through paddling.
“Our mission goes beyond paddling. We are here to inspire, support, and remind every survivor that they are not alone,” Rañoa said.
For many members, dragon boating serves as both sport and therapy. One of them, Christy Dayanan Lauron, continues to paddle while undergoing chemotherapy, sharing that the activity helped her regain movement after experiencing lymphedema.
“Paddling makes changes in my body,” Christy shared. “I had lymphedema before and couldn’t lift my arms, but when I started paddling, I slowly regained my movement.”
The team is composed of remarkable women who embody resilience and hope, including Gerrica E. Gonzalez, Isabel Egdamin, Ma. Liberty Rañoa, Maria Augusta A. Amaquin, Mary Ann Bojos, Sarah Canizar, Sharon P. Rodriguez, Dorine T. Guy, April Castillo Busi, Marianne Claire Gloria-Tubog, Maricel Cortes, Vengie G. Sidano, Christy Dayanan Lauron, and Jennifer U. Van Zweden.
Beyond training, the group also promotes awareness and welcomes supporters, volunteers, and partners who share their advocacy.
Pink Dragons Philippines is also calling on companies and organizations for partnerships to help expand its programs and outreach, as it continues to build a stronger and more inclusive support system for cancer survivors. For inquiries & partnerships, please contact: pinkdragonsphilippines@gmail.com or message 0917-328-6265.
| Contributed Photos
