DepEd, Albay Sign MOA On Palarong Pambansa Hosting

The Department of Education (DepEd) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Provincial Government of Albay (PGA) in connection with the latter’s hosting of the 2016 Palarong Pambansa in Legazpi City, Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda said Monday.

The MOA spells out the duties and responsibilities of both parties to ensure a well-managed and professionally-run annual national mubvlti-sporting event.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said this year’s staging of the Palaro would have many “firsts”, including the participation of the Negros Island region.

“I want to highlight that this is Albay’s first-ever hosting of the Palaro. This is also the first time that 18 regions will take action — not the usual 17 regions — because of the participation of the Negros Island Region,” Luistro said.

He added that this is also the first time that the Palaro will be conducted following very specific provisions of the law.

Based on Republic Act No. 10588, also known as the Palarong Pambansa Act of 2013, the elementary level will 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.

Participated in by elementary and secondary students from public and private schools nationwide, the annual sporting event will be held at the Bicol University, Legazpi City on April 10-16.

“We are institutionalizing this sports program to ensure that we are developing athletes that are of international caliber,” Luistro stressed.

“Together with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Provincial Government of Albay, the DepEd will see to it that the standards are at international level and that the coaching staff, the technical officials as well as the playing venues conform with international standards,” the education chief added.

Salceda responded by confirming the province’s readiness and eagerness to host the Palaro.

“We want to show that it will be a joyful Palaro. It’s something that celebrates the spirit of national unity, especially in Albay,” he said.

“Gusto naming ipakita na ang isang bayan, no matter how modest, no matter how limited its capacity is, will still have the unity and ability to host the Palaro,” Salceda said, highlighting the province’s resiliency or ability to recover from adversity. (PNA) LGI/FGS/EMC/CBD/SSC