GAME ON. The Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte awaits athletes as the province prepares to host the Palarong Pambansa 2025. A local official said Wednesday (July 17, 2024) that a technical working team has begun discussing details of the preparations for the hosting of the annual multi-sport event for the country’s student-athletes. (Photo courtesy of William Ti)
LAOAG CITY – The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has begun its massive preparation to make the Palarong Pambansa 2025 hosting memorable for all student-athletes.
Even before Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc accepted the challenge of hosting the Palarong Pambansa 2025, a technical working team that will work on all aspects of the preparations had already converged to discuss the details, Gervy James Gumarit, head of the communications and media office of the provincial government, said in an interview on Wednesday.
“There (is) ongoing construction of additional playing venues for lawn tennis, as well as the construction of a warm-up pool at the swimming pool of the renovated Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium to comply with international sports standards,” he said.
Gumarit was with the governor and his sports team for the ceremonial turn-over of the Palarong Pambansa 2025 hosting.
The group also took the time to observe Cebu’s best practices in hosting the biggest basic education sporting event, which they plan to adopt in the province next year.
Manotoc said Ilocos Norte may not be as big as Cebu but he counts on the solid support of the Ilocanos in nearby cities to help in the preparation, as well as the strong collaboration with the Department of Education and private stakeholders.
“We take on the challenge to host the greatest athletes, coaches, and most engaging spectators from around the Philippines, showcasing our commitment to sports and youth development,” he said in a statement.
Ilocos Norte sports development officer, Helen Domingo, said in a separate interview that as part of the initial preparations, the provincial government has teamed up with various local government units and schools to ensure the availability of sports venues.
Ilocos Norte has hosted other big sports events this year, among them the Region 1 Athletic Association Meet, a national beach volleyball tournament, the Tinman triathlon, and international rowing and surfing competitions in preparation for bigger events. (PNA)
