By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In his speech at the opening of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte held on Saturday, May 24, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered words of encouragement to young athletes who have gathered from all corners of the archipelago to participate in the week-long games.
He rallied the 15,000 participants to persevere in their pursuit of excellence amid challenges of balancing academics with the daily grind of rigorous training.
“Hindi madali ang inyong pinagdaanan. ‘Yong oras na ipapahinga ninyo na lang dapat, ay gagamitin ninyo pa sa practice at sa training. Mag-aaral sa umaga, tapos ensayo sa hapon. Minsan kulang pa sa gamit o sa panggastos,” President Marcos told the crowd of athletes, coaches, parents, and supporters gathered at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium.
The Chief Executive also reminded the youth that success is not measured solely by medals, but by their dedication and resilience in pursuing their passion for sports.
Likewise, he empasized the importance of sportsmanship and the true meaning of victory—whether in winning or losing.
“Higit sa pagkapanalo, mas mahalagang matutunan ninyo ang disiplina, ang halaga ng pakikipagkaibigan, at ang mag-enjoy naman sa inyong favorite sport—manalo man o matalo,” President Marcos reminded the young Filipino student-athletes.
He also acknowledged the indispensable roles of parents, coaches, teachers, and local communities in molding and supporting the nation’s delegates, citing concerted efforts from several parties as the key towards nurturing the participants’ well-being and honing their excellence in the sport that they will be participating in.
Today’s athletes, tomorrow’s international sensations
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive also expressed optimism that these young athletes may become tomorrow’s international sensations, citing Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, Nesthy Petecio, EJ Obiena, and Alex Eala as living proofs of the country’s immense potential to compete and triumph in international sports events.
Filipino athletes who brought pride and honor to the country include Pacquiao, an eight-division World Boxing Champion and former senator; Diaz, Olympic gold medalist in Weightlifting (Tokyo 2020); Yulo, World Champion and Olympic gymnast; Petecio, Olympic silver medalist in Boxing (Tokyo 2020); Obiena, Asian Record Holder and World Medalist in Pole Vault; and Eala Junior Grand Slam Champion and professional tennis player.
President Marcos declared the government’s full support for young Filipino athletes, vowing that the government will continue to improve training facilities, as well as provide scholarships, health programs, and sports science support in a bid for them to reach their full potential.
The Palarong Pambansa 2025 edition in Ilocos Norte showcases 24 regular sports, such as athletics, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, taekwondo, and swimming. Weightlifting debuts as a demonstration sport while kickboxing, girls’ football, and girls’ futsal will be staged as exhibition events.
A dedicated category for athletes with special needs features para-athletics, para-swimming, bocce, and goalball, underscoring the event’s commitment to inclusivity.
The week-long event, with the theme “Nagkaisang Kapuluan”, will run from May 25 to 30. A closing ceremony will be held on May 31.
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