A memorandum of agreement for the hosting of Palarong Pambansa on April 21-27 in Negros Oriental was signed by Gov. Roel Degamo and Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro, recently.

The MOA sets the requirements of hosting the national sporting event to ensure its success.

The provincial government allocated P25 million as counterpart funds for the preparation and actual conduct of the Palaro. Degamo said he is coordinating closely with the working committees to ensure the safety and comfort of delegates from provinces and regions in the country.

Hosting the Palaro is an achievement of the provincial government after several failed attempts in the past, he added.

He tasked the Provincial Engineer’s Office to complete the construction of all billeting areas, shower, comfort rooms and other amenities by March 15.

Some delegates will arrive in advance to familiarize themselves with the playing venues; while others have asked the provincial government to install screens on doors and windows in the billeting accommodations as safeguard against dengue, since Dumaguete City is an endemic place for virus-carrying mosquitoes, he added.

Degamo also lauded private landowners for allowing their property to be used as playing venues for softball and baseball games.

He said other concerns are being handled by the DepEd Negros Oriental Division working committees.*MA