ZAMBOANGA CITY, Feb 15 (PIA) --The first leg of the Zamboanga Peninsula Open Water Swim Circuit (ZPOWSC), which opens on February 12, 2023, in the eco-cultural tourism site "Onse Islas" of Zamboanga City, drew 114 participants from all over Zamboanga, Manila, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and neighboring provinces.

Over 54 participants take part in the 5KM distance swim, 11 participants for the 3.5 km distance and 47 for the 2 km distance.

The top winners bested over 100 participants are as follows:

2.5 Kilometers

1st - Jeddreauf Marrack –Zamboanga City

2nd - Henzpazeer Adjilani – Basilan

3rd - Raisan Mansul – Zamboanga City

3.5 Kilometers

1st – Kevin Espina – Iligan City

2nd - Berto Abdulhamid- Zamboanga

3rd - Quijoy, GJ Joash – Iligan City

5 kilometers

1st- Austin John Hampac- Zamboanga City

2nd – Jetro Paul Abilla- Zamboanga City

3rd- Jie Mark Emol- Pagadian City

Aside from finisher medals and shirts, two special awards will be given to male and female swimmers who will complete all four legs namely god Agwe (for male) and goddess Magnaye (for female), both are Philippine Mythology characters who rule the water element. Awards are to be presented during the final leg in Zamboanga del Norte.

ZPOWSC pending legs are Buluan Island, Zamboanga Sibugay on Mach 19, 2023, Lake Maragang, Tigbao,  Zamboanga del Sur on April 16, 2023, and May 14, 2023, for the Finale Leg at Dakak, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.

Interested participants may visit the link https://forms.gle/9sNx8HognqR3qZLU8

Closing for leg 2 Buluan Island will be on February 28, 2023.

Led by the Department of Tourism (DOT)-9, ZPOWSC is viewed as another diversified tourism product portfolio and maximization of domestic promotion, anchored on human-nature connection advocacy with the primary goal of protecting and conserving the environment, supporting community-based tourism empowerment and women-led associations, and inspiring IP groups with potential talent in swimming.

More information about the event is available on the Zamboanga Peninsula Open Water Swim Circuit 2022 Facebook page. (NBE/CCP/PIA9 with reports and photos from Department of Tourism Region-9)