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PASIG CITY, July 21, 2023 – Emphasizing the essence of culture and sports, the Department of Education (DepEd) will feature Indigenous Filipino Games, also known as “Laro ng Lahi,” anew as an exhibition sport in the upcoming 2023 Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City.

With the theme “Batang Malakas, Bansang Matatag,” DepEd will conduct Kadang-kadang, Tumbang Preso, and Patintero on July 28 as part of the Palarong Pambansa, which is set for a comeback after its forced cancellation for three years due to the pandemic.

The inclusion of Larong Pinoy in the multi-sport event aims to promote, preserve, and propagate the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditions and ensure that the new generation will experience and help revive traditional Pinoy games.

The said indigenous games will also instill teamwork, sportsmanship, camaraderie, friendship, and discipline, among Filipino youth and help improve their physical, emotional, and mental health.

According to a DepEd Memorandum No. 35, s. 2023, all regions must choose ten members from their delegation to participate in the Palaro indigenous games.

Aside from Indigenous Filipino Games, Cheerdance, Weightlifting, and Obstacle Course will also be included for exhibition, while Dancesports and Pencak Silat will be featured as demonstration sports in this year’s Palarong Pambansa.

In addition, separate events for learners-athletes with Intellectual Disability (ID), visually impaired (VI), and orthopedically handicapped/amputee (OH) under Special Education (SPED) classes, such as Para-Athletics, Para-Swimming, Bocce, and Goalball, will also be conducted.

Around 1,573 medals are at stake in Regular Sports, Para-Games, and Demo Sports in this year’s Palaro.

“Laro ng Lahi” was first introduced at the 62^nd Palarong Pambansa in 2019, where the Department’s officials and personnel participated in playing Kadang-kadang, Patintero, Hilahang-lubid and Karera ng Sako.

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