By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Reinforcing the government’s belief in the capabilities of Filipino athletes in various sports, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reassured young participants in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa of the administration’s full support through various programs and initiatives.
Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. read the Chief Executive’s speech at the opening of the annual sports event on Sunday, “Pinalalakas natin ang mga School Sports Clubs sa buong bansa bilang pangunahing daan ng pakikilahok sa organisadong sports at pisikal na aktibidad sa ating mga paaralan.
Namamahagi rin tayo ng sports equipment sa mga paaralan upang mas maayos ang training ng ating mga atleta. Mahigit 6,000 paaralan ang nabigyan ng DepEd ng mga sports supplies at equipment mula 2022 hanggang 2025.”
On behalf of President Marcos Jr., SAP Lagdameo Jr. emphasized the importance of sports in honing physical strength and other values such as discipline, teamwork, respect, perseverance, and self-confidence among the youth.
He also shared some of the recent achievements by Filipino athletes overseas, which include the 43 medals earned by the country at the ASEAN School Games in Brunei.
Other notable feats praised by the President include youth athletes who proudly carried the Philippines in taekwondo, table tennis competitions, and regional swimming tournaments in Asia.
President Marcos Jr. ‘s message concluded with a message of encouragement to the Palarong Pambansa participants, “Sa ating mga kabataang atleta, ito ang hiling ko sa inyo: Mag-enjoy kayo sa paligsahang ito. Ibigay ninyo ang buong puso sa paglalaro. Lumaban nang may dangal at igalang ang kapwa ninyong atleta.”
Carrying the theme “Unlocking the Future Through Sports,” this year’s Palaro gathered delegates from 18 regions, including representatives from the National Academy of Sports and the Philippine Sports Overseas.
The official total number of student-athletes participating this year is 10,718, who filled the sprawling, newly refurbished stadium of the Lipus Makapandong Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex in Prosperidad town, the main venue of the opening ceremony of the eight-day multi-sports event from May 24-31.
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