For centuries, the sea has shaped Filipino life, with the bangka and bugsay connecting communities across the archipelago. Today, the Philippine Outrigger Canoe Club (POCC) is reviving that maritime heritage through ocean paddling. Founded in 2021, POCC is a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to developing competitive outrigger canoeing while promoting the Philippines’ identity as an oceanic nation. Guided by its three pillars — culture, community and conservation — the club combines sport with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.

Reviving the Bugsay: Paddlers bring back PH’s ocean heritage. (2026, July 19). SunStar Cebu, pp. 12-13