Saturday, April 12, 2008 All is set for Palarong Pambansa
THE Department of Education (DepEd) has completed all preparations for the staging of this year's Palarong Pambansa to be held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan from April 20 to 26, 2008.
Elementary and secondary public and private schools will showcase their best athletes.
"We have pulled all stops to make this year's Palaro a success," DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus said. The education department issued the General Technical Guidelines to ensure that the annual sports event will run smoothly.
DepEd formed a National Screening and Accreditation Committee (NSAC) to look into the eligibility of athletes for the Palaro and give accreditation to qualified athletes and coaches.
Athletes who perform exceptionally well in the Palaro are usually honed to become representatives of the country in international competitions.
The games include athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, chess, football, gymnastics, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo tennis, volleyball, archery, boxing, and arnis.
Moreover, there will be special games for the mentally challenged and visually impaired students. Track events will also be held for the mentally challenged. Those with visual impairment will compete in the shot put and goal ball.
The agency said stringent measures are in place to prevent cheating in the games. In addition, DepEd has closely coordinated with other government agencies and non-government organizations (NGO) to monitor the medical conditions of the participants. Sports and health authorities will keep a close watch on athletes who will be exposed to extreme summer heat.
Likewise, DepEd sought support from Smart Communications to allow real-time posting of Palaro game results. This is in addition to the wide-screen display of the results at the site.
The Palaro is held in consonance with the National Unified Sports Program (NUSP). The City of Puerto Princesa is this year's host, with the DepEd-Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) region and the division of Puerto Princesa as co-hosts.
DepEd added that it joins the nation in supporting the Philippine team's participation in the 2008 Olympic Games. (Press release)
