59th edition of the Palarong Pambansa ends

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After a grueling week of intense competition, it is finally time to close the curtains on the 59th edition of the Palarong Pambansa 2016 at the Albay-Bicol Sports and Tourism Complex in Legazpi City, Albay.

The event started with the closing parade of all 18 regions followed by a parade of bands and pretty majorettes from various schools and universities in Albay.

Present for the closing ceremony were Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC; DepEd Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs, Tonisito M.C. Umali, Albay Governor Joey Salceda, and Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

“It is certainly an honor and a source of pride for the people of Albay to be given the opportunity to serve you. That is the heart of our hosting of the Palarong Pambansa 2016. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat,” said Albay Governor Joey Salceda.

Once again, the National Capital Region (NCR) dominated the week-long sporting event, leading the medal tally by a huge margin with Region IV-A and Region VI finishing second and third, respectively. Newcomer Negros Island Region (NIR) finished with an impressive sixth place overall standing.

“Gumaganda po ang performances ng mga regions. Dati po bihira lang ang makakuha ng medal ang ibang region, ngayon po dumadami na ang mga medals. Medyo pumapantay na ang laban dito sa Palarong Pambansa, dahil sa mga coaches, sports directors and teachers who take their time to train our athletes,” PSC Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez said.

As for this year’s special awards the winners were: Region X for the Most Organized

Delegation, Region IV-B for the Most Disciplined Delegation, Region X for the Best

Billeting Center, Region VIII for the Delegation with the Most Number of Participants, and Negros Island Region for the Cleanest and Greenest Delegation. All winners will receive P40,000 plus a trophy.

The annual sports festival is not just about achieving personal glory but also a time for gratitude, “Huwag na huwag ninyong kakalimutan kung saan kayo nanggaling. Huwag na huwag ninyong kakalimutan ang inyong unang coach, mentor at unang technical official na tumulong sa inyo. Dahil kung marunong kayong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, malayo ang inyong mararating. Maraming maraming salamat sa mga nagbigay ng kanilang buong sarili sa pinaka-maanghang at pinaka-mainit na Palarong Pambansa,” Secretary Br. Armin Luistro said.

The Palarong Pambansa is the largest grassroots sporting event in the country that aims to develop the potential of the youth to become responsible and globally competitive citizens.

It is DepEd’s way of promoting physical education and sports as an integral part of the Basic Education Curriculum.

Nald: A kid with big ambitions

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Nald in action. CAVRAA football team member Ronald Dapena kicks his way through opponents during a game between CAVRAA and Region XII in the 2016 Palarong Pambansa in Albay.

A small town kid with big ambitions, this is what best describes 17-year old Ronaldo “Nald” Dapena who is one of the members of the Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) football team. He came from San Antonio, Delfin Albano, Isabela, which is considered as one of the poorest barrios in the area. The third of five siblings, Nald’s father works as a farmer while his mother works part-time at a local bakery. 

“Medyo mahirap din po ang buhay namin pero kahit paano po nakakaraos naman po kami sa pang araw-araw at kung may pagkakataon, tumutulong din po ako sa aking ama sa bukid,” says Nald.

Aware of their difficulties in life, Nald often finds solace in playing the sport he fell in love with at a young age, “Ten years old pa lang, naglalaro na ako ng football at madalas akong sumali sa Intramurals sa school. Nakapaglaro na din po ako sa mga Provincial Meets. Doon po ako nadiskubre ng coach po namin ngayon na si Mr. Alexander Tabubuca," says Nald.

With continuous mentoring and guidance, Nald’s game continued to improve and develop along with his team mates. With dedication and team work, they became the champions in CAVRAA Meet where they won P15,000 and were qualified for this year’s Palarong Pambansa. 

Not resting on his laurels, Nald used his P1,000 share of the cash gift to apply for an NC II for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) at the Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA). Asked if he was hesitant to let go of his prized money given their financial situation, “Alam kong para sa gaya namin, malaking pera na ang P1,000, pero wala naman akong panghihinayang sa ginawa ko dahil magagamit ko din iyon para sa aking kinabukasan," he said. By investing his money wisely, he is now a proud holder of an NC II certificate.

Ronaldo “Nald” Dapena

Everything seems to be going well for Nald until a little bump on the road temporarily stopped him in his track. In preparation for the 2016 Palarong Pambansa, all the delegates were required to train in Tuguegarao City, a place far and unfamiliar for Nald and his parents. All his life, he has only competed in his home province. Playing on a much farther venue meant additional expenses for Nald and his family, although the fare is only P50. Just when Nald was about to throw in the towel, coach Tabucaca came to the rescue. 

“Pumunta si coach sa bahay namin at sinabi sa mga magulang ko na siya na ang bahala sa pamasahe ko at titingin sa akin habang nasa malayo ako para hindi na sila mag-alala,” Nald recalls smiling.

Believing in Nald’s potential as a good football player, there was no way Coach Tabubuca would let that go to waste.

“Sayang naman ang talent ng bata kung hindi siya mabibigyan ng opportunity para mahasa sa sport na mahal niya, masipag naman at mabait kaya hindi ako makapapayag na mawala sa kanya ang oportunidad na makasali sa Palarong Pambansa,” said Tabubuca.

When asked if Nald plans to further his football career, “Gusto ko po sanang ipagpatuloy itong football, makuha sa mataas na paaralan, makakuha ng scholarship, at matupad ang aking pangarap na maging propesyonal na football player. Pero tanggap ko din naman po na maaring hindi rin siya mangyari kaya iyon din po ang dahilan kaya kumuha ako ng SMAW. Hindi ko man maabot ang aking pangarap sa buhay at least po secure naman ang aking kinabukasan dahil may NC II na ako na maari kong magamit upang makakuha ng magandang trabaho at makatulong sa aking mga magulang at kapatid,” says Nald.

Over 12,000 delegates troop to Albay as Palaro 2016 opens

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As the long-awaited Palarong Pambansa 2016 officially opened, over 12,000 delegates including student-athletes, coaches, and officials from all 18 regions have gathered at Bicol University (BU), Albay, for the opening ceremonies today, April 10.

The Department of Education (DepEd), along with this year’s Palarong Pambansa provincial host Albay, formally welcomed thousands of visitors to the games, marking the start of a week-long event in a colorful mix of costumes, flags, and banners.

Thousands of delegates paraded along the streets of Legazpi City just before the opening ceremonies, eventually coming together at the BU grandstand. 

Municipality of Daraga Mayor Gerry Jaucian welcomed all the guests and delegates of the Palarong Pambansa 2016, expressing his gratitude for the substantial number of delegates and supporters.

This year, supporters of the student-athletes swelled the total number of Palarong Pambansa guests of up to 17,000 people.

Jaucian said that the Palarong Pambansa 2016 is an avenue to foster partnership and camaraderie among the regions.

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal likewise welcomed all the delegates and guests to Legazpi City, “the city of fun and adventure.”

“Sports and education are instrumental in transforming our communities,” Rosal said, expounding on the theme of the Palarong Pambansa 2016.

With the theme: "Transforming Communities, Transcending Through K to 12,” DepEd aims to promote physical education and sports as an integral part of Basic Education for a holistically-developed youth that is responsible and globally-competitive.

In his welcoming remarks, DepEd Region V Regional Director Fiel Abcede said that “the path to being an athlete is a difficult path but your participation in Palaro is already considered as an achievement.”

Abcede also asked the participants and supporters to be on the lookout for inspiring student-athletes who are equipped with brilliance and skill.

“During your stay here in Legazpi, you will feel the warmth of the people of Albay,” Abcede said.

After the welcoming remarks, Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario and DepEd Region XI Regional Director Alberto Escobarte turned over the Palarong Pambansa banner to Albay Governor Joey Salceda and Abcede.

For his part, Salceda thanked DepEd Secretary Armin A. Luistro FSC “for being the most revolutionary leader because he pushed for the K to 12 Program that will benefit our children.”

“Why do we hunger for these games? Because we have to qualify our children with the daunting task of nation building,” Salceda said.

Salceda expressed that the games require teamwork, parallel to the nature of nation building, which requires working with stakeholders and partners.

“We appear to be chasing medals, but we are actually chasing dreams,” Salceda said.

“We are teaching our young ones that competition is better when rules apply to everyone and when the playing field is leveled,” Salceda added.

On behalf of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, Luistro also welcomed all the delegates, congratulated the delegates this early.

“Tiwala tayo sa tagumpay ng Palarong Pambansa 2016. Malay ninyo, katabi niyo na pala ang susunod na Lydia de Vega,” Luistro said.

Luistro added that, “Ngayon palang binabati na ko na ang mga manlalaro... saludo po ako sa inyong lahat. Patuloy kayong maging inspirasyon.” 

Palarong Pambansa 2016 will run from April 10 to 16, 2016. A total of 18 regions are joining the games this year, with the addition of the recently-established Negros Island Region. 

It will be participated by elementary and secondary students from public and private schools nationwide. 

The elementary level will compete in 15 games, while the secondary level will compete in 17 games and four demonstration sports: Futsal, Wushu, Billiards and Wrestling. 

This year’s event will determine whether these four demonstration sports should be included as regular games in the succeeding Palarong Pambansa events.

One of many the highlights of the Palarong Pambansa is the special games for children with special needs. These include athletics, swimming, goal ball, and Bocce—a ball sport closely related to bowling. 

Student-athletes with special needs are given the chance to be scouted and compete in the games of the Palarong Pambansa.

ABS-CBN Sports + Action to air 2016 Palarong Pambansa

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ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ leading media and entertainment company, is putting the spotlight on the future of Philippine sports as it partners with the Department of Education and the Province of Albay to broadcast the 2016 Palarong Pambansa on ABS-CBN Sports + Action and ABS-CBN Sports + Action HD.

ABS-CBN Sports + Action channel head Vince Rodriguez, ABS-CBN Regional head Atty. Abigail Querubin-Aquino, Department of Education assistant secretary Tonicito Umali, and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda from this year’s Palarong Pambansa’s host province formalized the historic partnership, which gives a huge boost to Philippines sports and Filipino athletes.

ABS-CBN Sports + Action channel head Vince Rodriguez, ABS-CBN Regional head Atty. Abigail Querubin-Aquino, DepEd assistant secretary Tonicito Umali and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda on Tuesday formalized the partnership in a press conference.

"The Palaro is a perfect showcase, with a beautiful, beautiful backdrop of Albay," Rodriguez said. "It is a breeding ground of sports heroes."

“If you are a group that is committed to sports development, how can you tell the story of our athletes, understand their struggles and celebrate their victories, if you do not start the story from the beginning?” said Rodriguez. “As a channel committed to sports development, we know it’s important to show the stories of our heroes, both big and small, in inspiring Filipinos especially the youth,” Rodriguez added.

ABS-CBN's sports division has committed to air some of the games and matches of the Palaro on its sports channels, and will also produce a documentary and feature stories on the event, as well as its former and present athletes.

The 2016 Palarong Pambansa opens on April 10 at the Bicol University Sports Complex, Albay Province..

The opening ceremonies will start at 4 p.m. and will be aired at 7 p.m. Games of various sports – not just basketball and volleyball – will be shown on ABS-CBN Sports + Action starting 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., except on UAAP game days, on which they will be aired on primetime.

Through this partnership, ABS-CBN Integrated Sports fulfills its objective to help promote sports development in the Philippines by giving exposure to young Filipino athletes.

Follow the journey of the Philippines’ best young talents in the world of sports at the 2016 Palarong Pambansa on ABS-CBN Sports + Action and ABS-CBN Sports + Action HD Ch166, starting April 10. 

For more information, visit sports.abs-cbn.com and follow ABS-CBN Sports’ official Facebook and Twitter accounts, @abscbnsports.

Negros Island Region: We are 100% ready for Palaro 2016

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Negros Island Region (NIR), which is a newly created region that will be competing for the 59th Palarong Pambansa for the first time, is 100% ready and confident that its athletes will take center stage in the national sporting competition.

According to Department of Education (DepEd)-NIR Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad, “Although this is the first time, we will do our best to compete [with the other regions]. We are ready [and] we are vying for championship.”

In January, DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said this year’s staging of the Palaro will have many “firsts.” 

Luistro said that, “I want to highlight that this is Albay’s first ever hosting of the Palaro. This is also the first time that 18 regions will take action—not the usual 17 regions—because of the participation of the Negros Island Region,” he explained.

NIR’s athletes have undergone series of trainings, one of which is the 25-day training from March 1 to March 28. 

“We conducted concentration (trainings) financed by the local government of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and some cities, that also extended financial assistance to the athletes during the training for 25 days,” Sadsad said.

The said training was separately conducted in Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Dumaguete City.

NIR will send 747 official delegates, including student-athletes, coaches, and other regional officials; of which, 481 are student-athletes. 

Sadsad said that NIR will also be fielding participants to the special games.

One of the highlights of the Palaro is the special games for children with special needs. These include athletics, swimming, goal ball, and Bocce – a ball sport closely related to bowling. Athletes with special needs are given the chance to be scouted and compete in the games of the Palaro.

Student-athletes from NIR have already been given the allowance, equipment, and vitamins they need for the competition.

The region’s official delegation will arrive in Albay Province on April 4. Sadsad said the NIR is planning to conduct continuous trainings in the host province.

Wanted: new records to break in Palaro2016

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When Davao del Norte hosted the 58th Palarong Pambansa in 2015, record-breaking feats were showcased by a new breed of student athletes in the swimming and athletics category.

Can we expect more records to fall in this year’s staging of the Palaro in Albay?

Last year, Luzon’s best bets from Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog and the National Capital Region towed the rest of the regions and mightily showed the way. Central Luzon's Balitucan National High School alumnus, Martin James Esteban shattered the 14.44m triple jump record of Mark Harry Diones with his 15.01 meter-jump.

Likewise, NCR athletes dominated the swimming pool with their speed and determination. Swimming sensation, Maurice Sacho Ilustre mined gold in a record-breaking fashion with his performance in the200m (2:07.28 min), and 100m (57.56 s) Butterfly; 800m (8:50.34 min), and 200m (1:58.83 min) Freestyle, respectively.

Team mates Christian Sy, Andrae Pogiongko, and Drew Magbagalso shone in the 400m Medley (4:07 min) and so did Alnair Guevarra, Eman Dapat, Miguel Barlisanin the 400m Freestyle (3:41.38 min) relays. The group of Ilustre shattered the 2009 and 2014 Palaro swim records.

Long-standing records in the 50m Freestyle, 50m Backstroke and 100m Breaststroke divisions were smashed by elementary athletes Jules Katherine Ong’s 28.75, Seth Isaak Martin’s 30.16 and Ethan Go’s 1:14.86, respectively.

Also, the 100m Butterfly best time on record was surpassed by Camille Buico, who broke by a second the 2013 record of 1:06.92 in the elementary category, .while Regina Maria Castrillo outdid her own 2014 record with a time of 1:04.41 in the secondary category.

The Visayan Islands athletes won’t be outclassed as they excelled through its champions from the Western and Eastern regions. Alexis Soqueño from the Western Visayas once again defied gravity as he shattered his former record of 1.92m in the High Jump category, making 1.95m the height to beat. Meanwhile, the team of Karen Janario, Feiza Jane Lenton, Gemmalyn Pino and Lealyn Sanita, set the new time record of 4:00.09 in the 4x400m relay.

Mindanao’s victors came via Efrelyn Democer and Jie Ann Calis who broke records in their respective fields. Democer’s score of 42.34m in the Javelin Throw crushed the 41.27m record established by Stephanie Cimatu in 2011.

On the other hand, Calis’ speed outran the records in the 3000m (10:10.16 min), 1500m (4:42.20 min) and 800m (2:12.27 min) event. Her neck-and-neck race with 2013 record-setter Angelica De Josef in the 800m event was dubbed as one of the best performances ever in Palaro history.

With preparations nearing its completion for the 2016 Palarong Pambansa, the Department of Education (DepEd) hopes that the athletes will see last year’s achievements as a goal to surpass. And that the name of every worthy athlete will be etched in sports history.

Albay to host 2016 Palarong Pambansa

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Legazpi City, Albay will host the Palarong Pambansa 2016. After careful deliberation and tedious evaluation by officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Albay won the bid over Tuguegarao City, Cagayan–its only competitor for the annual national games.

Before announcing the results of the vote, Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC asked both provinces to continue supporting the agency’s sports development program, saying,

"Sana ipagpatuloy po ninyo ang inyong naka-atas na mga programa para sa sports sa inyong probinsiya at sana makasama pa po kayo ng DepEd at ng PSC doon sa iba pang sports events. Mayroon po tayong Batang Pinoy, Philippine National Games, at iba pang programa.”

The final choice was made based on voting results by the Palarong Pambansa Board chaired by Education Secretary Armin Lusitro, along with the Palaro committee, approved the proposal of the Palaro, which would be held from April 15 to 22.

“We reviewed the recommendations from the regions and had our own deliberations. We went through billeting, facilities, your presentations, including readiness of our regions, as well as other considerations that are specific to 2016. Ang nanalo po with a very, very slim margin is Albay” Luistro declared.

Before the bidding and official presentations of the two provinces, DepEd and PSC technical officials inspected each venue last June to see if the facilities and billeting areas are adequate.

PSC Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez presented to the body the rating system used which included international standards, distance from the main complex, power supply, and security, among others.

DepEd’s Schools Sports Events and Activities Unit Head Cesar Abalon reported on the status of the billeting areas, which are evaluated based on the sufficiency of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen areas and medical provisions.

With a budget of P300M, Albay Governor Joey Salceda assured the Palarong Pambansa Board that Albay has the equipment and resources needed to construct and repair its sports facilities and playing venues as soon as possible.