Palaro reset to ensure good turnout

There seems to be no stopping this year’s Palarong Pambansa – when it comes to postponements. After being called off last May due to the poor peace and order situation in Mindanao, and reset to June and then to Oct. 5 to 12, organizers yesterday announced another postponement of the annual sportsfest for the country’s elementary and high school students.

Richel Umel, speaking on behalf of the officials of host Tubod, Lanao del Norte, said the most recent postponement is no longer about the peace and order situation, but to ensure a full participation from the different regions.

Organizers are now looking at Oct. 17 to 25 or even November as the possible dates. Holding it on the last week of October means it might coincide with the Mindanao Friendship Games set Oct. 19 to 24 in Mati, Davao.

Both the Palaro and the MFG are organized by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Close to 5,000 athletes and officials are expected to participate in the Palaro which has a budget of P40 million and organizers just would not settle for anything but a full participation.

The poor peace and order situation in Mindanao last May forced officials to call it off since most of the regions have decided against sending their children to Tubod, which was the site of bloody clashes between government and rebel troops.

The Department of Education Congress scheduled Oct. 7 in Baguio City is another reason why the hosts have called for another postponement.

"The provincial officials led by Gov. (Imelda) Dimaporo want full participation from the 15 regions. And there is no report of fighting anymore for the past three months. We are more concerned now of having all the regions represented," said Umel.