TAGUM City, Davao del Norte – Rich culture and traditions will be showcased as the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-backed Indigenous Peoples (IP) Games kicks off at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex here on Friday and Saturday (April 27-28).
PSC Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey, who recently graced the PSC-Philippine Sports Institute Consultative Meeting and Grassroots Coaching held in Panabo City, said: "There is much to look forward to in the IP Games. The Davao del Norte launching is just the beginning of a series of IP Games and IP Forum to be held in different parts of the country."
He said conceptualizing the IP Games took a series of consultation and coordination meetings from partner local government units (LGUs) of Davao del Norte, Bukidnon, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Ifugao, Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya as well as with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
The Davao del Norte edition will have some 300 Ata-Manobo, Sama, Dibabawon, Mandaya, Mangguangan, and Mansaka delegates from New Corella, Talaingod, Carmen, Panabo City, Sto. Tomas, Asuncion, Kapalong, Tagum City, Dujali, Island Garden City of Samal and San Isidro.
“We are all set for the IP Games,” Maxey added.
The IP Games, which aims to preserve the traditional games of the IPs, will feature games demonstration, competition (Kadang-Kadang sa Bagol, Kadang-Kadang sa Bamboo, Lubok sa Humay, Butong sa Lubid, Pana, Bangkaw, Basket sa Likod, 4x100m event and 100-meter run), IP Forum and photo contest.
The Lubok sa Humay and Kadang-Kadang sa Bagol are events for women participants.
PSC Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez and Maxey, oversight commissioner of the IP Games, will give messages while Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario will welcome participants. (PR)