“NO FISHKILL IN VALENZUELA!” seemed to be the clear message of the 258 participants of the 3^rd Mayor Win Gatchalian Cup Fun Fishing Tournament last June 4, 2011 amidst news of fish kill plaguing towns south of Manila and surrounding areas.

Boasting of hefty prizes and a sporting environment fit for fishing, the tournament, held at Kap. Larry’s Pond in Barangay Coloong, attracted numerous anglers from across and outside the vibrant city formerly known for its vast fisheries than its current image of a thriving industrial and commercial center.

“With the rising number of participants each year, we are optimistic that this tournament will be an enduring tradition in our city and a continuous reminder of our early industries,” noted Ms. Evelyn “Jing” Hernandez, Officer-in-Charge of the Youth, Sports and Livelihood Development Office.

Three prizes for the biggest catch were given in three categories: Bangus, Tilapia and Pangasius, commonly known as Cream Dory.  Aside from the regular categories, special prizes were also given to the earliest registrant, earliest catch, youngest participant and oldest participant, as well as the angler with the most abundant catch.

At cockcrow, early registrants had the advantage of choosing where to cast their rods. Some went to the farthest ends of the vast fishpond. They were transported by boats, one of which was lent by the City Government. Philippine Red Cross – Valenzuela Chapter volunteers were also on standby for emergencies.

At 2:00 P.M. a firecracker bang signalled the end of the tournament.  The awarding ceremonies followed immediately.

Joining Ms. Hernandez at the presentation of awards were Public Information Officer Ms. Ahna F. Mejia and Ms. Elizabeth Chongco, Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross – Valenzuela City Chapter.

Jun Doplon of Barangay Dalandanan took home the championship title and cash prize of PhP 8,000.00 pesos in the Pangasius category for catching a more than 4 kilogram cream dory fish.  Amusingly, he said that his first catch was much bigger. “Nakawala lang po, hindi kinaya ng linya. (It escaped!  it was too heavy for the line.)” he said.

Aside from upholding recreational fishing as a sport, the Mayor WIN Gatchalian Cup Fun Fishing Tournament aims to promote the rustic area amidst the metropolis that could only be found in Valenzuela City.   Most part of the first District, which is just about an hour or less drive away from the hustle and bustle of the central district, still boasts of the serene beauty of nature. 

Furthermore, recreational sport fishing is considered as a very effective way of preserving the environment.  Part of the discipline of fishing enthusiasts is the respect and conservation of the aquatic lives and ecosystem.

The feat was covered by leading sports and travel show, Sports Unlimited, hosted by Dyan Castillejo and Marc Nelson who joined the event to try his luck in catching fish with Mr. Bien Peñaranda of Filipino Anglers Organization.  The coverage is scheduled to be shown on June 18, Saturday night at ABS-CBN.

Complete list of winners and corresponding prizes:

Pangasius (Cream Dory):
Champion          –     Jun Doplon (4.11 kg),  PhP 8,000.00 plus trophy
1st Runner-up   –     Michael Hernandez (1.70 kg), PhP 5,000.00 plus trophy
2nd Runner-up  –      Eduardo Dizon (1.62 kg), PhP 3,000.00 plus trophy

Tilapia:
Champion            –      Bartolome Nicdao (1.15 kg), PhP 8,000.00 plus trophy
1st Runner-up      –      Jeffrey Mendoza (.95 kg). PhP 5,000.00 plus trophy
2nd Runner-up    –      Al Alarcon (.92 kg), PhP 3,000.00 plus trophy

Bangus:
Champion            –      Louie Libunao (1.27 kg), PhP 8,000.00 plus trophy
1st Runner-up      –      Adeia Anzures (.80 kg), PhP 5,000.00 plus trophy
2nd Runner-up    –      Ruperto Davadilla (.78 kg), PhP 3,000.00 plus trophy

- Michael King C. Urieta (06-06-2011)