On February 15, 2026, the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach served as the battleground for the Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Festival 2026. The PNP Maritime Group (PNP-MG) Paddlers delivered an outstanding performance in several categories. Among the 37-member crew were four proud alumni from the University, all of whom graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology degree.
The teamโs versatility shone through as they won the Championship in two major categories: the Premier Mixed Standard Boat and the Premier Women’s Small Boat. They secured 3rd Place in the highly regarded Premier Open Standard Boat category. These wins required strong synchronization, power, and endurance.
Pat Marina Magnanang Ga-ong (Class 2018, Batch Masindedwa) played a key role as the teamโs Signal/Drummer. In the Standard Boat races, Marina was the heartbeat of the vessel. Her steady drumbeat helped dozens of paddlers move as one cohesive unit. Her contribution was crucial in the Premier Mixed category, where balancing the timing of a diverse crew is essential for success.
Three dedicated paddlers from the MPSU Criminology program provided the power in the water. Pat Precious F. Ofo-ob (Class 2013, Batch MATIMYAS) and PSSg Noah B. Foryasen (Class 2014, Batch Guardians) brought experience and leadership to the boat. Pat Magdalena P. Guidangen (Class 2019, Batch CINAG) displayed the relentless energy of the university’s newer graduates. Their combined efforts were especially vital in the challenging Premier Women Small Boat sprint, where every individual stroke counted toward victory.
This multi-podium finish is a proud achievement for the MPSU community. It showcases the versatility of our graduatesโGuardians, Matimyas, Masindedwa, and CINAGโwho continue to excel in national service and elite sports. By conquering the waters of Manila, these four alumni have proven that the spirit of the “Green and Gold” knows no limits.
The historic “golden run” of the PNP Maritime Group (PNP-MG) Paddlers began at the LoveBoracay International Dragon Boat Festival 2025 (April 24-25), where the team achieved a spectacular “triple crown” by being crowned Champions in the Small Boat Women, Open Standard, and Mixed Standard categories. This momentum carried them to the global stage at the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Race 2025 (June 9-11), where they braved the waters of Victoria Harbour to secure places in five categories. These 2025 triumphs laid a powerful foundation for their most recent success at the Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Festival 2026 in Manila, where they again emerged as Champions in both the Premier Mixed Standard Boat and Premier Women Small Boat, while clinching 3rd Place in the Premier Open Standard Boat.
