Palaro guests start arriving

CEBU, Philippines — Delegations from all over the country have already started arriving in Cebu City, where the Palarong Pambansa 2024 would take place from July 9 to 16.

They are just one group of visitors, as there are actually four national events that are actually taking place in different venues in Cebu next week—the Palarong Pambansa 2024, the Learners’ Convergence Philippines (LearnConph), the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), and the National Festival of Talents (NFOT).

As of press time, there are now six regions (Central Luzon, Cordillera Administrative Region, Davao region, Cagayan Valley, CARAGA and host Central Visayas) that have already settled in their respective billeting quarters days ahead of the opening ceremony on July 9. The closing ceremony is on July 16.

The majority of the visitors who are already here are the Palaro athletes who came ahead for them to familiarize with the playing venues and to be sure they have already acclimatized and therefore well-rested for the games.

Also, to make sure of the safety of the Palaro delegations, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Ireneo Dalogdog yesterday led his personnel in checking the billeting quarters and the Cebu City Sports Center, where the opening and closing ceremonies would take place.

Dalogdog assured that CCPO will implement tight security for the safety of all delegations and warned all policemen to be always presentable at their best when they interact with the visitors.

All in all, the Department of Education (DepEd)-7 expects 25,000 to 30,000 learners, along with their coaches and chaperones, to converge in the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Naga, and Carcar, for the four big events.

The NFOT will take place first, or on July 7 to 11 in the City of Naga. IT would have different contests like writing skills contests, STEM competition, Popdev quiz, Technolympics on recycles waste materials, fruits and vegetables carving, food procession, dress making, technical drafting, among other activities.

The LearnConph, on the other hand, will be in Lapu-Lapu City from July 8 to 13. It is the largest face-to-face engagement of learners, youth leaders, and education stakeholders representing the 228 Schools Division Offices (SDO) from 17 regions of the country.

This convergence “provides learner-participants with the unique opportunity to not only gain insights from esteemed speakers and engaging activities but also to enrich their learning experience through interaction with one another, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultures across the country, and honing them to become effective leaders in their respective communities.”

Meanwhile, the NSPC takes place in Carcar City on July 8 to 12th. Held annually, it pits against each other students who are skilled in journalism, “through skillful execution in various platforms from prints to broadcast and online while also promoting fair and ethical use of media.” — RHM (CEBU NEWS)