PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN — The Provincial Government of Palawan, together with the City Government of Puerto Princesa and the Palaweño community, warmly welcomed Swim League Philippines (SLP) as it brought its grassroots swimming program to the province, highlighting Palawan’s strong support for sports development and youth empowerment.
Former Governor and Puerto Princesa Cong. Abraham “Baham” Mitra expressed appreciation for SLP’s initiative, noting that programs like Rookie Ripples play a vital role in nurturing young athletes and promoting water safety in an island province such as Palawan.
“Swimming is not only a sport for us—it is a life skill,” the governor said. “We are grateful that Swim League Philippines has chosen Palawan as part of its mission to develop young swimmers across the country.”
Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the city’s commitment to hosting sporting events that encourage healthy competition and community participation.
“We welcome Swim League Philippines with open arms,” the mayor said. “This event inspires our youth, strengthens our local sports programs, and showcases Puerto Princesa as a city that supports athletic excellence.”
The arrival of SLP was met with enthusiasm from Palaweño citizens, parents, coaches, and young swimmers who eagerly participated in the Rookie Ripples competition. The event created a festive atmosphere, with families gathering poolside to cheer on first-time competitors and celebrate their achievements, big or small.
Local swimming coaches and educators also expressed optimism that the partnership with Swim League Philippines would open doors for Palawan swimmers to compete in regional and national meets, helping elevate local talent to higher levels.
Beyond competition, the event reinforced values of discipline, sportsmanship, and confidence-building among young participants. Organizers highlighted that Rookie Ripples is designed to be a positive first experience in competitive swimming, ensuring that every swimmer feels supported and encouraged.
As Swim League Philippines continues its nationwide advocacy, Palawan’s leaders and citizens reaffirmed their commitment to supporting future SLP events, proving that the province is not only rich in natural beauty but also in community spirit and support for sports development. The MAD Barracudas’ team placed third overall among participating teams in that category — a proud achievement for the club and the city’s swim program.
