2015 Palarong Pambansa to Highlight Peace

Pasig City — The Department of Education (DepEd) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, the host for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2015 in Tagum City.

With the theme, “Breaking borders, Building Peace,” DepEd and the partner LGU aim to highlight the importance of sports and solidarity in pursuing and inculcating peace among young Filipinos. Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that, “Davao del Norte is known not only for promoting peace and development within their region but of the whole of Mindanao. That is why when people ask, ‘Is it safe to do the games in Mindanao,” we answer, ‘Why not?’”

Luistro extended his gratitude and congratulations to the host region and said, “We are pleased that the winner of the bidding, as host for the coming games, had come from Mindanao. We thank the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte for taking charge of Palaro 2015.”

The Palarong Pambansa houses thousands of student athletes participating in various sporting events. Host region Davao del Norte will be providing the facilities for the events, the billeting quarters for the sports officials and technical staff, and the transportation of all participants, among other things.

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario highlighted the importance of this competition, not only for the region but for the whole nation. He said, “With this great privilege, comes a big responsibility of advancing both physical and social significance of the national games – particularly in promoting the ideals of harmony, solidarity, and tolerance.” He also mentioned that for the coming national games they will “show the world that sports may be a tool to achieve peace.”

DepEd Assistant Secretary and Palarong Pambansa Secretary General Tonisito MC Umali, Esq. highlighted the importance of the national games and said, “Napakahalaga nitong Palarong Pambansa 2015 dahil una itong pagkakataon na isasagawa ang Palaro sa ilalim ng bagong batas na na nagngangalang Palarong Pambansa Law.”

Luistro then challenged the congregation and said that “This event is a perfect avenue to promote peace. There is no other perfect way to do that but through sports, where most of our student athletes will live out and dialogue with other players, not necessarily through words but through deeds, gestures, and actions which show that peace is possible, that peace is here and now.” (DepEd)