DAVAO City will try to defend its overall championship as the Batang Pinoy 2019 Mindanao leg opens at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 3, at the sprawling Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City.

The 383-member delegation is expected to dominate in swimming, basketball, futsal, volleyball and other martial arts events.

However, since most athletes are coming from the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet 2019 hosted by Davao City, their performance in the Batang Pinoy for 15 years old and under might suffer since the regional meet only closed Saturday.

Davao City retained its overall championship of the Davraa Meet 2019 after dominating most team and individual events of different sports.

Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio is the keynote speaker of the opening ceremonies while Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario will welcome the 3,553 delegates from 90 local government units.

Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez will share messages.

A fireworks display will spice up the program. (MLSA)