Laguna named host of 2014 Palaro

MANILA, Philippines - Laguna has been awarded the hosting of the 2014 Palarong Pambansa after convincing the game’s executive committee of its capability to stage the annual multisports competition for student athletes.

“Laguna will host next year’s Palarong Pambansa,” Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Tonisito Umali announced yesterday.

The province’s hosting was granted during last Thursday’s meeting of officials from the DepEd and partner Philippine Sports Commission, headed by Education Secretary Armin Luistro and Umali and PSC commissioner Jolly Gomez. 

Also present were Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito with Laguna Provincial Sports head Albert Abarquez and representatives of Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman, whose LGU also bidded for the Palaro.

Marikina, according to Gomez, was tapped as host of another major student joust set in 2014, the sixth ASEAN Schools Games in December of that year.

Laguna’s modern sports facilities – the Laguna Recreational, Education, Cultural and Sports Stadium plus a 70-meter world-class archery range, track oval, football field, and dorm – won it for the province. 

Expecting over 2,000 elementary and high school students, the 2014 Palaro will feature three new demo sports in wushu, wrestling and billiards.

Marikina, meanwhile, will play host to some 1,500 student athletes from 11 nations for the Asean schools meet.