Binirayan Sports Complex, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique
April 23, 2017
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the opening ceremony of the 2017 Palarong Pambansa held at the Binirayan Sports Complex in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique province.
Addressing the delegation composed of students, coaches, and technical officials from the 18 regions of the country, the President urged them to build competitiveness, fairness, values, and sense of goodwill as they participate in the annual sporting event. He also called on the student-athletes to instill discipline within them, as it is vital in all sports they are participating.
“Sense of discipline… discipline itong mga laro. It is not all physical, it is also mental, and the desire to win. It is my sacred duty to transfer to you the values which we hold very, very dear to us,” the President explained.
As a father to the nation, he encouraged the student-athletes to have a sense of responsibility for they will be building their own families in the future.
“Malaki ang investment ko sa inyo dahil kayo ang magiging nanay at tatay bukas,” he said.
President Duterte also said that he is working to restore the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) to become mandatory to all students in order to instill patriotism and military training to the youth, as well as defend the nation.
Moreover, the Chief Executive expressed his willingness to put an end to graft and corruption and to suppress terrorism in the country. He also reminded the Filipinos to develop a sense of love for the country and not allow the nation to deteriorate.
“I will stop graft and corruption. I am on my way forward. Corruption must stop, or we will never rise as a nation,” President Duterte said.
This is the first Palarong Pambansa that the President attended since he assumed office. With the theme, “2017 Palarong Pambansa: Converges Youth Power, Builds Sustainable Future,” this is also the first time that Antique is hosting the annual sporting event which is on its 60th edition.
The event converges the best student athletes in the elementary and secondary level from 18 regions of the country as they compete in different sporting events and discipline.
Senator Loren Legarda, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, and Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao were also present during the event.
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