Pangasinan beats Ilocos Norte in regional athletics

Sunday, March 20, 2011

LINGAYEN -- Pangasinan II dethroned Ilocos Norte in the recent one-week Department of Education (Deped) regional athletic meet held here.

Governor Amado Espino Jr. was glad with the win, saying: "Ang usapan namin ng mga coaches noon, because Pangasinan II Schools Division has the most probable chance to beat Ilocos Norte, ay makalaban man lang. What I expected is lalapit lang ng husto (sa Ilocos Norte), pero next year pa at least makapag-over all champion."

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Espino gave his all-out support to the athletes of Pangasinan during their training and preparation for the Ilocos Regional Athletic Association (IRAA) Meet (or Region 1 Athletic Association Meet as approved by DepEd Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Alberto Muyot).

"I am very happy not only because Pangasinan II is overall champion (and Pangasinan II and Pangasinan I ruling the elementary and secondary divisions, respectively), but also because our visitors had good comments on the security, cleanliness at the different venues, and the beauty of the province," the governor said.

The visitors reportedly had the grand time visiting the Capitol building and the Sison Auditorium (the cultural center of Pangasinan), and roaming around the Capitol grounds.

"We have six schools division in Pangasinan. After 11 years, nanalo tayo. We have to maintain this next year para hindi nila sabihin natsambahan lang. I think we will pursue that sports program called Summer Camp para maturuan lalo ang mga magagaling na mga athletes," said Espino.

He said the government will house the athletes at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center.

Pangasinan II kicked Ilocos Norte out of the throne by earning 503.5 total points. Ilocos Norte recorded 490.5 total points.

Pangasinan II Schools Division Superintendent Viraluz Raguindin said the support given by Espino and the Provincial Government was a major factor in their victory.

"Simula nong magplano kami nong hosting ng IRAA, we have also been working and providing for the training of our athletes. Kasi side by side with that, dalawang bagay ang tinitignan ni governor - ang ating contingent at ang preparations for the hosting. Kaya akoy lubos na nagpapasalamat sa ating governor who has given us his all out support," she said.

She acknowledged the assistance and support of Provincial Government sports director Modesto Operana.

"On the spot, he (Operana) checks on our athletes undergoing training," Viraluz said.

She also thanked the athletes for their perseverance and hard work.

"I will always pray na tulungan kayo ng Diyos. And of course sa mga magulang, ipagpatuloy ang inyong pagnanais na gumaling ang kanilang performance in sports and athletics. Let us support the sports program of the division," she said.

Aside from hosting the IRAA, Governor Espino said the province will bid for the hosting of the Palarong Pambansa next year.

He said he will be sending the schools superintendent and the members of the Provincial Board to the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in Zamboanga.

"We will bid for the hosting of Palarong Pambansa. If my time and schedule permits, will go there too," he said.

Pangasinan hosted the Palarong Pambansa in 1995. Espino was director of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office. (Liway C. Manantan-Yparraguirre/Sunnex)