TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte - The Indigenous Peoples (IP) Games formally opened at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex here Friday, April 27, but Davao del Norte Governor Anthony G. Del Rosario bared that should there be a National IP Games, the province is ready to host it anytime.
Del Rosario made the bold statement during his inspirational message, giving members of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Board present during the program - Commissioners Charles Raymond A. Maxey, Ramon Fernandez and Celia Kiram - something to ponder on as the six-leg IP Games set this year does not include a national championship.
Maxey, the oversight commissioner-in-charge for the IP Games and Mindanao, accepted the challenge. "Ingon ni Governor Del Rosario kung pwede daw mag-national diri sa Davao del Norte nganong dili (Governor Del Rosario said if we could hold a national IP Games here, why not)," Maxey said as the participants cheered and applauded.
He said that the PSC, led by chairman William "Butch" Ramirez, will continue to support the IP Games as it is a great opportunity to showcase the rich culture and traditions of the province's different tribes.
In a separate interview, however, Maxey said that they will consider holding a National IP Games maybe next year but it will have yet to be carefully planned and will have to be approved by the PSC Board.
Del Rosario, in his speech, said the tribes were already thriving even before Davao del Norte became a province. He also said that they will exert all efforts to keep the IP traditional games alive amid globalization and digital age surge.
"Mao dili nato tugutan nga kini nga mga sports o art form sa libro nalang mabasahan sa mga bata. Dapat ma experience pud nila ang ka enjoy sa tinuod nga dulang Tipanud (We will not allow that this sports or art form will only be read in books by the children. They should also experience the fun of playing the indigenous games)," the governor said, also thanking the PSC for choosing the province to host the launching of the IP Games.
Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, who represented Chairman Ramirez, also urged adults and children participants alike to play their best and enjoy the games considering that an international IP Games is being held every after the Olympics.
Fernandez added, "Naa koy nakita nga mga lolo at lola, duna pamoy chance nga maging Olympians... maging Olympic medalists."
Ata-Manobo, Sama, Dibabawon, Mandaya, Mangguangan, and Mansaka delegates from New Corella, Talaingod, Carmen, Panabo City, Sto. Tomas, Asuncion, Kapalong, Tagum City, Dujali, Island Garden City of Samal and San Isidro are participating in the two-day event that features Kadang-Kadang sa Bagol, Kadang-Kadang sa Bamboo, Lubok sa Humay, Butong sa Lubid, Pana, Bangkaw, Basket sa Likod, 4x100m event and 100-meter run.