2008 Palarong Pambansa starts

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan - One of the country’s highly anticipated multi-sporting events, the Palarong Pambansa 2008 formally unfolds this afternoon at the new Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex.

Thousands of athletes from the country’s various sporting regional associations will compete in the weeklong sporting event featuring elementary and secondary athletes.

They will be contesting for medals in at least 15 disciplines namely, archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball, boxing, chess, gymnastics, football, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, sepak takraw and volleyball.

Most of the events will be played in the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex (RVMSC) while the others will be held at the Palawan State University, City Coliseum, TESDA grounds, Wescom Gym, Palawan National High School and People’s Amphitheater.

The organizing Department of Education (DepEd) and the people of Palawan were expecting that Pres. Glora Macapagal-Arroyo would grace the event. Due to a pressing matter, however, the president sent word that she will not be able to come. Instead, she instructed DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapuz to represent her.

Had Pres. Arroyo graced the event, the people of Palawan led by Mayor Edward Hagedorn would have the rare chance of having the country’s most colorful personalities visiting them. Earlier, former President Joseph Estrada has agreed to speak during the closing ceremonies.

William “Butch” Ramirez the chair of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will not attend the opening ceremony as well. PSC Commissioner Eric Loretizo will represent him instead.

The 600-strong Central Visayas (CVIRAA) delegation arrived with a 50-seater bus that will transport athletes and coaches to the venues of the games.

Although not making fuzz about their chances in this elementary and secondary division-sporting spectacle, many sporting associations still consider Central Visayas as a contender for the overall title.

Defending champion National Capital Region (NCR) will begin its quest to repeat as champions when action starts on Monday in the gold-medal rich athletics events.