Duterte to grace Palarong Pambansa rites

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur  , Philippines  — President Rodrigo Duterte will grace the opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa tomorrow, marking the second straight time that the Chief Executive will address and inspire the young athletes in the country’s annual talent-search among elementary and high school students.

Phl Sports commissioners Ramon Fernandez and Charles Maxey confirmed Duterte’s presence in the 61st edition of the weeklong event, to be led by 14-time overall champion National Capital Region.

“The President will be there to personally give his inspirational message to the athletes,” said Maxey.

The President, who also graced last year’s Palaro in San Jose, Antique, will be joined by other PSC commissioners Celia Kiram and Arnold Agustin as well as Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones and host Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Singson in the parade of colors of all 17 participating regions.

A total of 20,000 plus athletes, coaches and officials have trooped to this city considered by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Aside from centerpiece track and field and medal-rich swimming, the events to be competed in are archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, billiards, boxing, chess, football, futsal, gymnastics, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, wrestling and wushu.

Aero gymnastics, dancesports and pencak silat are calendared as demonstration events.

The differently-abled athletes, on the other hand, will also show their wares in their side of the competition.