Marcos opens Palarong Pambansa, fetes ‘firsts’ in national meet

At the opening ceremony of the 2024 Palarong Pambansa, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. congratulated the student-athletes who will be competing in the events of the week-long sports meet.

This year's Palarong Pambansa is being held in Cebu.

Marcos praised the athletes for their hard work and dedication as they reached the national event.

"To all our athletes, let this serve as your training ground and demonstrate the unwavering spirit, talent, and dedication of all young Filipinos," Marcos said in his speech at the Cebu City Sports Center.

"It is your moment to shine. Participate actively in your events, play with pride, tenacity, play with integrity. Show the Filipino’s indomitable character, our graciousness in defeat, and our magnanimity in victory. In this way, you will bring pride to the schools and regions that you represent.

 "I congratulate you all in advance. You are already champions, all of you that are here. Your hard work and determination have made you true champions in the hearts and minds of your family, of your schools, your communities, regardless of whatever the outcomes will be during this Palaro.

Marcos also highlighted the firsts of this year's Palaro, the debut of the National Academy of Sports and the Philippine Overseas Schools, the inclusion of dancesport as a regular sport, and soft tennis, karatedo, football for secondary girls, and esports as exhibition sports.

"Moreover, this year’s Palarong Pambansa will see the integration of technology in web platforms, social media, game statistics, and live streaming. It will not only connect [these] games to families and fans around the world but also provide valuable data that we can use to improve [our] performance in future competitions," he added.

In his speech, Marcos also directed concerned national agencies to provide assistance for those affected recently by heavy rains in Cebu such as the localities of Carmen and Minglanilla.

"Rest assured, national and local governments are working closely to bring speedy help to those who are affected by the heavy rains, especially in Carmen, in Minglanilla, and Cebu. I also direct the Office of the President and the DSWD to provide assistance to the local government units affected by the flooding. We include all those affected in our thoughts and in our prayers."

Aside from Marcos, present in the opening ceremony were Philippine Sports Commission Richard Bachmann, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, and Cebu City Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia.

Vice President and Department of Education secretary Sara Duterte was not seen in the ceremony proper.

"Ang alam ko po bumisita ang ating Vice President sa mga Palaro athletes na na-confine sa hospital ngayong hapon to boost their morale," Department of Education spokesperson Usec. Michael Poa said as Duterte missed the opening.

[I know our Vice President visited Palaro athletes that were confined in the hospital this afternoon to boos their morale.]

Duterte's term as Education secretary will end on July 19 as she submitted her resignation from the post last June 19.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA integrated News