Davao del Norte ready for Palaro

TAGUM City, Philippines – Davao del Norte organizers passed a technical inspection conducted last Monday that even if the Palarong Pambansa were to be staged tomorrow, the province would be more than ready.

The Palaro is scheduled May 3 to 9 yet but everything – from playing venues to billeting areas and local transportation and medical and security concerns – got the thumbs up sign from inspectors.

“Davao del Norte is 98 percent ready,” said Cesar Abalon, the Department of Education’s (DepEd) schools sports events and activities unit head.

Monday’s technical conference drew 23 tournament managers from different national sports associations.

“There is something unique in every host. But with DavNor, it is the playing facilities, the billeting [both very good preparation] and the warmth of the people of Davao del Norte and the all-out support of the Governor [Rodolfo del Rosario] with his drive to make this the best Palaro ever,” Abalon said.

Representatives from DepEd (10 from the main office and five regional heads), national sports associations (23 tournament managers) and the country’s 17 regions (34 representatives) attended Monday’s technical conference along with Davao del Norte organizers led by Del Rosario.

“We are hopeful that the conference would ensure a smooth system, particularly in meeting technical requirements – especially those of the tournament managers on whom the fair and refined conduct of the sporting events are dependent upon,” Del Rosario said.

Jason Razal, a member of the combined inspection team from the DepEd and the Philippine Sports Commission, noted Davao del Norte’s preparedness – especially in the sensitive aspect of billeting the close to 10,000 athletes and officials in the seven-day games.

“Only minimal improvements need to be done as most playing facilities are in place. Most only need ‘finishing touches’ and facilities will be definitely ready for the Palaro,” Razal said. “The tournament managers say the playing venues are excellent.”