Panagbenga arnis tilt sees largest field

CLOSE TO 400 stick fighters from all over the country take centerstage today as the Panagbenga National Arnis Invitational Championship formally opens at the University of the Cordilleras gymnasium.

Stick fighters from as far as Iloilo, National Capital Region, Cavite, Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya are set to compete in the three day competition that will last until February 24 which coincides with the annual street dancing and float parade of the flower festival.

“We also have arnis players coming from the region and we are also expecting a contingent coming from the Phil. Air Force and the Phil. Army,” said Rodini Buyogan of the Baguio City Arnis Club with support from UC and the city government.

Arnis Philippines president Raymund Velayo is set to deliver the inspirational message during the opening program today which starts at 8 in the morning.

Organizers said the tournament aims to uplift their own skills and techniques and at the same time develop the well-being of every participant through sports.

Arnisadores from the region will also compete in the elementary, high school, novice and seniors division.

Buyugan said participants from Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, and even from the Police Regional Office-Cordillera in Camp Bado Dangwa will join the event.

For the elementary division, competition will focus on height and age division to comply with the Department of Education standards.

“Seven weight classes will be fought in the seniors division while five in the high school and four in the novice division,” added Buyugan.

The competition will give away medals for the top three winners for both men and women in each weight divisions.

The event also strengthens Republic Act 9850 making arnis as the official national sports and national martial arts in the country. Roderick Osis