THE 2019 Palarong Pambansa which opened on Saturday, April 28 until May 4 in Davao City after 69 years will not only be conducted with the traditional sporting events and demonstration sports but would also reintroduce indigenous sports which are known as “Laro ng Lahi.”
What was interesting about the Laro ng Lahi was that during its first edition, key officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) from central to division offices slugged it out in a fun and hilarious games where Region 10 – Northern Mindanao headed by Regional Director Arturo Bayocot came out as Champion. It was the first time that hearty laughs were genuinely expressed by the former organizers now the players themselves.
Aside from that, this year’s Palarong Pambansa will have a “Sports Heroes Day” as an important opportunity for the young athletes to personally interact with their sports heroes and icons.
According to Undersecretary Revsee Escobedo, Palarong Pambansa secretary general, the young players can draw lessons and inspirations from our sports heroes around.
Tree planting activity participated by all regions was also conducted in government controlled area in Barangay Eden, Toril, Davao City.
The Opening Ceremonies and the Closing Program will all be held at the Davao City – University of the Philippines Sports Complex while the games are to be played in well selected multi venues throughout the City of Davao.
With 17 regions participating and spearheaded by the Management Committee members of DepEd Central Office, the historical conduct of the Palarong Pambansa will surely be passed the acid test of excellence as both the Division of Davao City and Regional Office XI have just recently recommended to get their ISO Certification.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Davao Region Director Alberto T. Escobarte, CESO III, DepEd Davao City Superintendent Ma. Ines C. Asuncion, CESO V with their hardworking and committed constituents are closely collaborating to make the hosting as one of those memorable, if not most memorable.
Let us keep our fingers crossed that this year’s holding of the Palarong Pambansa here in Davao City, Davao Region will really be one for the books. Let us all be one in wishing that this will really happen.