LEGAZPI CITY, June 24 -- Thirteen water search and rescue (WASAR) teams from across the country converged in Cataingan, Masbate, as the National WASAR Olympics 2026 came to its final day as part of the Bagat-Dagat Festival 2026.

Commodore Ivan Roldan, commander of the Philippine Coast Guard - Bicol, said the event aims to foster camaraderie among emergency responders while reinforcing disaster preparedness and response capabilities, particularly in communities vulnerable to water-related emergencies.

The opening ceremony was held at Matayum Lagoon in Barangay Matayum, attended by provincial and local officials, disaster management authorities and representatives from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and ...