Palarong Pinay unwraps today

The National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), in cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission, will celebrate Women's Day today with the Palarong Pinay starting at 6 a.m. at the Philsports (formerly Ultra) in Pasig City.

Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Sen. Robert Jaworski will grace the opening ceremony of the sportsfest which will gather around 5,000 women from Metro Manila.

Macapagal-Arroyo will lead government executives in the torch relay from the EDSA Shrine to Ultra. Joining her in the lighting of the urn are NCRFW chairperson Amelou Benitez-Reyes, PSC commissioner Tisha Abundo and trackster Elma Muros-Posadas.

Jaworski, sponsor of several pro-women bills, will celebrate his birthday during the affair and will give an inspirational talk. Daughter-in-law Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, a prominent equestrienne here and abroad, will make the ceremonial toss in the volleyball event.

PSC chairman Butch Tuason, Presidential Adviser on Youth and Sports Richard Gomez and NCRFW commissioner Lisa Macuja are also attending the sportsfest which highlights the role of women in sports development.

First Lady Luisita Ejercito-Estrada will be joined by Macapagal Arroyo and Benitez-Reyes in the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the photo exhibit.

Outstanding women in various fields like former First Lady and badminton president Ming Ramos. Philippine Olympic Committee president Cristy Ramos, Sen. Nikki Coseteng and bowler Bong Coo will also be honored in the awards night set at 8 p.m.

"The potential of women in sports is oftentimes overlooked. Not many women are aware of the gains physical fitness brings to our health," said NCRFW executive director Ermelita Valdeavilla.