PUERTO PRINCESA CITY – Davao del Norte could be the first Region 11 province to host the Palarong Pambansa when Mindanao takes its turn in 2010 although Capiz, Dumaguete and Tacloban have signified their intention to stage next year’s edition of the annual meet.
Anthony del Rosario, Davao del Norte’s provincial sports coordinator, yesterday said they’ve already submitted their official bid to the DepEd, which is expected to come up with a decision by September.
“We’ve allocated P270 million for the renovation of our sports complex in Tagum City starting this June,” said Del Rosario, whose father Rodolfo is the province’s governor.
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Deprived of the rubber-tipped and double-wall technology-constructed bats by the DepEd’s new regulation, the Big City bets still came out swinging as it smashed Cagayan Valley, 13-2, to jumpstart their bid in softball competitions.
NCR appealed its case last Sunday but the DepEd has yet to act on it, forcing the former to use the heavier, outmoded one-piece bats.
“There’s still no decision but we’re waiting for it. Thankfully, the players were just focused on winning the game regardless of what kind of bats we used,” said NCR coach Kiko Diaz.
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This year’s Palarong Pambansa host Puerto Princesa could be the next stop when the Philippine Sports Commission revives the Philippine National Youth Games or Batang Pinoy this October.
“We’re the country’s sports tourism capital so it’s just fitting that we host the Batang Pinoy,” said Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn.
If it clinches the hosting rights, the city noted for its ecological and environmental attractions would host the multi-sports event for athletes aged 12-years-and-below for the first time since 2009. – Joey Villar