Anchored on this year’s Palarong Pambansa theme, “Sports: Road to Peace and Progress,” the Department of Education and the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental vow to put more emphasis  on the values the national sports competition can instill to participating athletes.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said that the 2013 Palarong Pambansa offers many firsts – highlighting what sports can do in unifying people and achieving peace and progress. “This year, it is not just about who will win, but we should focus on peace. It is timely because we have just had the Bangsamoro Peace Fair and this coming together of the athletes from different regions nationwide with different culture, religion is evidence that peace can be achieved. We want to show that sports can contribute to national peace and progress.”

 

Meanwhile, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo said that it is an honor to host the Palarong Pambansa. “Just like DepEd, we want to offer something different to all of you. We want you to remember good memories from our province,” added Degamo.

 

The Provincial Government organized some outreach programs as part of the pre-Palaro activities. On April 16, all regional athletic delegations adopted at least 10 street children each in their respective billeting quarters.

 

Gawad Kalinga: Palaro Edition was also done at the Municipality of Mabinay wherein island greening, house painting and school painting were performed on April 17.

 

As Palarong Pambansa showcases the best athletes, this year’s competition will also hold an athletes’ youth summit (Tikang for Peace!) at the Foundation University on April 26.

 

Also a first this year is the awarding of cash incentives to gold medalists and record breakers through the kindness of partners from the private sector.

 

Palarong Pambansa is presented by Nestle-Milo, Ever Bilena, PAGCOR and is co-presented by Smart in cooperation with Philippine Airlines, Johnson & Johnson, Ang Hortaleza Foundation and Aboitiz Foundation.  It is also brought to us by Ayala Foundation, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation and San Miguel Foundation.