Saturday, July 26, 2008 NegOr bids to host 2009 Palarong Pambansa
NEGROS Oriental announced that they are now pushing and lobbying to host the school-based Palarong Pambansa in 2009.
Governor Emilio Macias II is in Manila as of this writing to formally bid for the annual sports event where the final bidding called by the Department of Education (DepEd) Palarong Pambansa Technical Committee has started last Saturday.
The governor has yet to relay to the members of the media the updates when he returns back from his Manila trip.
The governor has a 15-minute power point presentation before the committee showcasing Negros Oriental's sports facilities.
Capitol information officer Adrian Sedillo said the presentation focused on the province's billeting facilities for athletes and sports officials, transportation and other amenities that the province can offer during the Palaro.
The governor reportedly decided to push the province's bid to host the Palaro as a result of the "persistent urgings" from local sports and education officials.
"At first, the Governor was hesitant to participate in the bidding thinking this might yet again prove to be another frustrating experience for the province such as what happened in 2004," said Sedillo.
For next year's Palaro, Sedillo said the province will bid against Samar and Capiz.
The chance to host the event comes only once every two years.
Hosting duties is revolved among Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao regions. This year is given Visayas turn.
The Provincial Board (PB) has earlier passed a resolution supporting the bid of Governor Macias.
It cited in its resolution the various benefits that the province will get from hosting a national sports competition.
As host the province will have an opportunity to showcase its rich tourism potentials and numerous products.
It will be able to promote its unique culture, arts and talents.
Sedillo said the province also received the backing of the Regional Development Council chaired by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia who requested RDC members to support the province's bid.
A team from the technical Committee has already visited the province last week to check on the sports and billeting facilities particularly the ones in Dumaguete City.
Sedillo said the team made an ocular inspection on the newly-completed rubberized track and oval and the playgrounds at the Mariano Perdices Coliseum; the Olympic-size swimming pool and diving facility at the Lorenzo Teves Aqua Center; the basketball gymnasium at the Lamberto Macias Sports Center; and the facilities of the various schools, colleges and universities here. (EBS)
