Pangasinan shifts to high gear for Palarong Pambansa

LINGAYEN, Philippines – This year’s Palarong Pambansa kicks off on May 7 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center here with the popular Azkals football team gracing the opening ceremonies and President Aquino as guest of honor and speaker.

With only about two weeks left before the sports event involving thousands of athletes from all over the country, the provincial government shifts to high gear to ensure the success of the event being spearheaded yearly by the Department of Education.

Lawyer Verna Nava-Perez, who chairs Task Force Pala-rong Pambansa, said although the games will actually start on May 6, the opening program will be held starting at 10 a.m. the following day per confirmation by the Office of the President regarding the schedule of Aquino’s arrival.

Some 10,000 delegates from the country’s 17 regions are expected to arrive during the weeklong national sports competition, which will be held until May 12.

Assistant Education Secretary Tonisito Umali said the Azkals’ presence during the opening ceremonies would motivate and inspire the athletes.

Perez said most of the delegations are due starting April 27, while those from the Mimaropa provinces (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) have arrived a few days ago.

The general schedule shows the screening of athletes on April 28; a refresher course for technical officials, May 3-4; and a morning “solidarity meeting,” an afternoon Mass to be officiated by Archbishop Soc Villegas and an evening Governor’s Night, May 5. The closing ceremonies will be on May 12.