Jonvic D. Velasquez – the Young Pride of Puerto Galera

Jonvic, student of the Puerto Galera’s National Highschool’s Grade 9 – started sailing 4 years ago at the PG Yachtclub. A Program, initiated by Peter Stevens and others in our Town’s very own Yachtclub as one of their social responsibility programs, and to motivate a big number of children, starting at the age of 9 years. At this time, 40 young children found a place to be on their weekends and are taught in how to sail small Dinghies.

Peter Stevens of the Puerto Galera Yachtclub told the Fortnightly in an interview, the program was started to give somethings back to the people of Puerto Galera, and to give kids from our town a chance to learn somethings, who might lead into a carrier and get them of the streets.

Ever since Jonvic was a child, he followed the call of the oceans, wanted to become a sailor one day. To enter the PGYC’s very own “small boat program” was the beginning of, what has become more than a hobby. It leaded Jonvic straight into the Philippine National Team for Sailing and made this little man already a celebrity among sailors, and not only in the Philippines that is.

His success came through talent & hard work. The little sailor trained every Saturday and Sunday under the supervision of his coach Jayson Bagot, from Barangay Poblacion – who teaches the children voluntarily and free of charge and became a champion. His Parents, Jeanelyn & Leopold Velasquez supported little John all the way, the shy parents are sure very proud of their son.

Jonvic won the Singapore national Sailing championship, a competition open to international participants. He swept the board in Singapore, with Gold in the Optimist Dinghy Silver Fleet. Jonvic scored an amazing 15 points from 11 races, with seven 1sts. two 2nds and one 3rd. The opposition was miles behind with 60 and 103 points respectively in 2nd and 3rd. The first 10 races were in a fleet of 89 boats. The final ‘Medal’ race was for the top 15 competitors. Jonvic won that too and qualified himself for the Macao Championships where he came in as the Silver-medal Winner. The Macau International Dinghy Regatta is considered the little world-championship among sailors.

The Expenses for Jonvic’s travels to Singapore and to Macao was sponsored by the PSA (Philippine Sailing Association) – Jonvic has a scholarship from Flemig & Ann Remmer, the employer of his parent.

Puerto Galera is proud of you – little Jon!