PASIG CITY, March 10, 2017 – As part of the advocacy to develop the mind and the body of the Filipino youth through sports, the Department of Education (DepEd) will hold the annual Palarong Pambansa in the province of Antique on April 23 to 29.

Under the Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10588, the Palaro is recognized as the country’s premier national sporting event where self-discipline, teamwork and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry will be fostered. It is also the primary avenue for providing in-school sports opportunities to boost youth’s physical, intellectual, and social well-being.

The annual Palaro expects around 10,000 student-athletes, considered the ”cream of the crop” from the country’s 18 regions, to meet and compete and showcase athleticism while developing the spirit of sportsmanship, discipline, and camaraderie.

Antique Governor Rhodora “Dodod” Cadiao said the province is putting its best foot forward in hosting the national games and will underline youth empowerment.

This year’s Palaro will introduce two demo sports and one demo event: pencak silat, dancesports and aerobic gymnastics. It will also feature the sports development programs of the Duterte administration to counter drugs and crimes.

‘Where future begins’
Most student-athletes dream of becoming successful in their sport. With the determination and perseverance they developed in the Palaro, these student-athletes hit the home run.

Among great talents produced by the Palarong Pambansa are: Elma Muros and Lydia de Vega for athletics; Dyan Castillejo for tennis; Joper Escueta and Gabriel Magnaye for badminton; Violito Payla for boxing; Enchong Dee and Eric Buhain for swimming; Joan Chan for archery; and Mark Paragua for chess; Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players Danny Ildefonso, Marlou Aquino, Willie Miller, Samboy Lim, and Kirby Raymundo; and Azkals’ Chieffy Caligdong.

Sports track promotion through media
During the Education Summit held at the SMX Convention Center in November 2016, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones pointed out how media could help in encouraging more enrollees for the Senior High School (SHS), especially for sports track.

“Less (students) are going into sports and this is where we have to attract more enrollees… We would like to encourage this (sports) at the senior level.”

After graduation, a sports track student may be able to find employment as an athlete, coach or PE teacher assistant, sports official or tournament manager, or fitness, sports and recreation leader.