QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – Over 9,000 athletes, coaches, and officials representing 17 regions came together for the opening ceremony of Palarong Pambansa on Monday, July 31 at the Marikina Sports Center, Marikina City.
Back in action after nearly three years of hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual sports competition for elementary and high school students will feature 34 sports, including para, demonstration, and exhibition events.
The opening ceremony was graced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, together with other government officials. During the event, President Marcos emphasized the government’s steadfast commitment to nurturing the prowess of young Filipino athletes and advocating for their welfare.
“I urge the Department of Education to keep harnessing the talents and sportsmanship of our student-athletes. Continue to leverage your reach and resources to provide them with the support, training, and opportunities that they thrive on and on which they will succeed,” President Marcos said..
“With consistent and diligent efforts, I am confident that they will eventually bring glory to our nation not only in the field of sports but also in other endeavors that they will choose to pursue,” President Marcos added.
The President invited all Filipinos to watch the games and cheer for their favorite players and teams as they compete in their respective sports, expressing belief that many among the participants will one day become future athletes and leaders who will bring pride and honor to the country.
The 2023 Palarong Pambansa also includes traditional games like kadang-kadang, patintero, and tumbang preso which will be conducted as exhibition events under ‘Laro ng Lahi.’
Other exhibition sports include esports, cheer dance, weightlifting, and obstacle course racing, while demonstration sports are dancesport and pencak silat.
Athletics, swimming, bocce, and goal ball will be contended as para sports.
The Department of Education (DepEd) is spearheading the conduct of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa. The local government of Marikina City, along with the DepEd-National Capital Region (NCR) Office, and the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Marikina City, will be hosting this year’s edition of the scholastic multi-sport competition. (PIA-NCR)
