PASIG CITY, March 16, 2017 – The Department of Education (DepEd) and the province of Antique held the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the 2017 Palarong Pambansa at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City today, March 16.

The agreement was represented by Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones on behalf of DepEd and Governor Rhodora Cadiao for the province of Antique.

The DepEd is mandated to promote physical education and encourage sports programs to foster self-discipline, teamwork and excellence through the conduct of annual Palarong Pambansa., which is pursuant to R.A. 10588, otherwise known as the “Palarong Pambansa Act of 2013.”

The law also provides the need for coordination with the local government units (LGUs) to realize the common objective of developing grassroots sports programs and ensuring the maximum utilization of sports facilities nationwide.

Recently, the province of Antique, in cooperation with the DepEd Regional Office VI Western Visayas, and Schools Division of Antique has been declared as the host local government unit for the 2017 Palarong Pambansa Program.

Under the agreement, the DepEd has the following major tasks: 1) organize the regional delegations for the 2017 Palarong Pambansa; 2) coordinate with the LGU for the necessary security provisions and measures, 3) receive donations from the private sector to support the operation of the national event; 4) conduct technical inspection and monitoring; 5) provide the standard technical equipment and supplies; and 6) provide technical management and administration of the facilities and activities related to the national event.

The province of Antique has the following major functions: 1) convene the Local Palaro Executive Committee (LPEC); 2) coordinate with the municipalities for the successful conduct of the Palaro; 3) facilitate the sourcing of funds; 4) ensure the readiness and availability of the sports facilities; and 5) ensure the availability of technical facilities and equipment including the provision of convenient billeting areas and quarters.

The Palaro theme is “2017 Palarong Pambansa: Converges Youth Power, Builds Sustainable Future,” which highlights the role of the youth in building a better future.