The Philippines cemented its place as a dragon boat powerhouse by topping the medal standings at the 2024 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Dragon Boat World Championships, held in Puerto Princesa.
Among the Filipino paddlers who contributed to this historic victory was Peter Arreglado, a member of EastWest Bank’s Cebu office Real and Other Properties Acquired (ROPA) team.
Arreglado, a dedicated paddler since 2019, brought home three medals—a silver in the 200-meter small boat event and two bronzes in the 500-meter small boat and 2000-meter standard boat categories.
He was part of the Philippine team that secured an impressive 11 golds overall, marking the country’s best performance in the global competition.
“Being part of this historic event is already like winning a gold medal,” Peter shared, reflecting on the significance of his journey and the pride he feels in contributing to the country’s success.
Selected through a rigorous national process, Arreglado joined the Master’s National Team to represent the Philippines on the world stage. His achievement was made possible in part by the unwavering support of EastWest Bank, which provided him with a flexible work schedule and financial assistance to ensure he could prepare and perform at his best.
“EastWest’s support in my training made it possible for me to focus on what mattered—giving my best performance at the World Championships,” he said.
“My success in this competition was made possible thanks to our team effort and their sponsorship in terms of fitness, gym access, personal trainers, and other aspects. This opportunity is a dream come true, and I am deeply grateful for the backing I received from my team and the management at EastWest. I’m so grateful for the chance to work with EastWest, and for having great leaders, especially from the top level,” he added.
The values of teamwork, resilience, and leadership required in dragon boat racing resonate closely with EastWest’s corporate culture, and Arreglado believes this synergy has been key to his dual success in sports and work.
Arreglado stressed that dragon boat racing embodies teamwork and perseverance, qualities he finds deeply aligned with his daily experiences at EastWest.
He noted that the supportive environment provided by his workplace has been instrumental in enabling him to balance his professional responsibilities with his athletic pursuits, allowing him to thrive both in his career and in his passion for the sport.
Arreglado hopes his accomplishments will inspire fellow EastWest employees to pursue their own passions, especially in sports.
“I hope that my achievements encourage other sports enthusiasts among EastWest’s workforce and employees, showing the rest of our community that the bank is wholeheartedly supportive of our interests beyond the workplace,” he stated.
EastWest Human Resources Head Alfie Suarez lauded Arreglado’s contributions to the competition.
“At EastWest, we believe in fostering a culture that values dedication, resilience, and teamwork—qualities exemplified by our very own Peter Arreglado and the entire Philippine team at the 2024 International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships. Their hard work and commitment to excellence inspire us all, and we are incredibly proud of Peter’s accomplishment as he brings this international recognition not only to our country but also to the EastWest family,” Suarez said.
Looking to the future, Arreglado has his sights set on more international competitions, including the next World Championships in Canada and other invitational races.
As EastWest celebrates its 30th anniversary, Arreglado’s success serves as a testament to the bank’s commitment to empowering its employees.
The organization supports a variety of employee-led initiatives, including the EastWest Motion Dance Group, EastWest Voices Choir, EastWest Click Photography Club, EastWest Milers Running Club, EastWest Racquets Badminton Club, EastWest Hoops Basketball Club, and EastWest Pisotivity Club for Investment Enthusiasts.
