DepEd, Laguna, ink agreement on 2014 Palarong Pambansa

Laguna will host the Palarong Pambansa 2014. Yesterday, January 13, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Provincial Government of Laguna solidified their partnership to conduct the 2014 Palarong Pambansa through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Laguna Governor Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito Jr. and Education Secretary Br Armin. A. Luistro FSC.

The MOU stipulated the duties and responsibilities of both parties to ensure a well- managed and professionally run Palaro.

According by DepEd Assistant Secretary for legal and legislative affairs Tonisito Umali, “the Province of Laguna will be the first host to the first Palarong Pambansa, which started in 1948, under the recently passed Palarong Pambansa Institutionalization Law or Republic Act 10588.”   

Governor Ejercito expressed his excitement in hosting the Palarong Pambansa. “Today with the signing with the Department of Education, Laguna is set to host the country’s largest and premier sporting event.”

Ejercito explained that upon winning the bid, the Province had initiated ground work in preparing its nine-hectare Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, rehabilitating 60 surrounding schools as billeting quarters, and approaching every major stakeholder to get on board.

“The Palarong Pambansa in Laguna will be the benchmark for future Palarong Pambansa,” Ejercito added.

Luistro thanked Ejercito for his support. “Masaya ako dahil sa pagpapakita ng suporta ng buong bayan ng Laguna.” He also expressed his desire for a “clean and green” Palaro, reiterating the Clean and Green Policy that had been in place since 2011.

The Secretary who had very fond memories in visiting Laguna, expressed his desire for a clean and green Palaro, reiterating the Clean and Green Policy that had been in place since the 2011 Palarong Pambansa. “May pangarap ako para sa Palarong Pambansa na naipasok namin sa mga nakaraang Palaro -- ang  pangangalaga sa kalikasan, an eco- friendly Palaro. Alam po namin na maraming basura pagkatapos ng bawat Palaro at ang kalikasan at kalinisan ng bawat bayan ay kailangang panatilihin."

The 2014 Palaro will also feature new spectacles such as the demonstration sports Wushu for Secondary boys and girls and Billiards for Secondary boys. This year will also see Olympic Wrestling make its debut.

DepEd is the lead agency in the conduct of the annual Palarong Pambansa in coordination with the Philippines Sports Commission and its National Sports Associations. 

The program aims to promote physical education and sports as an integral part of learning, and hopes to develop and to mold a holistic youth who are socially responsible and globally-competitive.