Education officials to meet in Pangasinan

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- About 70 officials from the Department of Education (Deped) central office in Manila, including directors from 17 regions, are in the province for the three-day Palarong Pambansa 2012 management committee meeting.

Pangasinan is hosting the national sports event for the second time since 1995, the only province to do so. Governor Amado Espino Jr., then the police provincial director, was the Palarong Pambansa 1995 task force commander.

Provincial Board Secretary Verna Nava-Perez, PP 2012 secretariat chairman, said the committee's first meeting this morning will focus on the Palaro updates. Later, officials will draw lots for billeting quarters per region to be participated in by the 17 directors.

Another meeting will be held on Wednesday morning before officials will be conducting inspections on different playing venues and billeting schools.

The Palarong Pambansa 2012 will commence on May 6. Main playing venue is at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) which was constructed in 1995 for that purpose.

Other playing venues and billeting schools are located at nearby towns of Bugallon, Labrador, Binmaley and the cities of Dagupan and San Carlos.

Pangasinan is the only province to host Palarong Pambansa twice.

“Palarong Pambansa is for elementary and high school, the most important years in developing a player. We are hoping that we could take advantage of this Palaro to develop Pangasinense athletes. Also, we will be able to complete our facilities which will serve later as permanent venue (for practice, and for actual games) for our young athletes,” Espino earlier stated. (Liway C. Manantan-Yparraguirre/Sunnex)