2016 Palarong Pambansa In Full Swing This April

The Department of Education (DepEd) will conduct the upcoming 2016 Palarong Pambansa with the theme “Transforming Communities, Transcending Through K to 12” from April 10 to 16 at the Albay Sports and Tourism Complex, Albay Province.

This will be the first time that the staging of the Palaro will be held in Albay and also the first to have 18 regions take action after the inclusion of Negros Island Region.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said the annual sporting program was DepEd’s way of promoting physical education and sports as an integral part of the Basic Education Curriculum with the participation of elementary and secondary students from public and private schools nationwide.

The Palaro will be conducted following very specific provisions of the law, Luistro noted.

According to Republic Act No. 10588, also known as the Palarong Pambansa Act of 2013, the elementary level would have to compete in 15 games and the secondary with 17 games and four demonstration sports, namely Futsal, Wushu, Billiards and Wrestling. In addition, four special games will also be conducted for special athletes.

The education chief pointed out that the sports program’s goal is to develop athletes that are of international caliber and expand the athletes’ roster to the National Sports Association for international competitions.

Luistro added that this year’s Palarong Pambansa would continue to be clean, green and eco-friendly.

Further, the DepEd, together with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the provincial government of Albay, will see to it that the coaching staff, the technical officials, and the playing venues conform to international standards.

Meanwhile, Albay Governor Joey Salceda on Monday assured that the province is ready to host the 2016 Palarong Pambansa as the preparations for the sports meet are already in full swing, including the deployment of security, emergency and medical teams in 31 playing venues and 24 billeting areas.

According to a PNA report, at least 2,000 policemen will be deployed, 335 medical personnel will be dispatched, and several police assistance desks will be set up in all playing venues and billeting areas.

The 24 billeting centers will house about 18,000 delegates from the 18 regions of the country who are participating in the national school games competition. (PNA) RMA/FMC