Cebu City Sports Center, Cebu City
July 9, 2024
In a ceremony that highlighted both the spirit of resilience and the celebration of Filipino athletic prowess, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially opened the 64th Palarong Pambansa at the Cebu City Sports Center.
In his keynote address, the President cited the recent natural calamity that struck Central Visayas Region, emphasizing the government’s active response and ongoing relief efforts.
“I have received initial reports on the effects of heavy rains here in Cebu yesterday,” President Marcos Jr. began, addressing the flash floods, structural collapses and damage to properties, particularly in Carmen and Minglanilla. He assured the public that national and local governments are working closely to bring speedy assistance to those affected, with the Office of the President (OP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) providing additional support.
Despite these challenges, the President underscored the resilience of the Filipino people. “We remain resilient and focused on the goal – just like the athletes here who are about to commit to compete in the Palarong Pambansa,” he stated.
Speaking before the 13,000 delegates and representatives from 17 participating regions, the National Academy of Sports (NAS) and the Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO), he emphasized the significance of the Palarong Pambansa as the country’s premier national sporting event. He also noted several firsts in this year’s Palaro, such as the participation of athletes from the NAS and PSO, the integration of technology and the debut of new sports such as Soft Tennis, Karatedo, Football for Secondary Girls and E-Sports. Additionally, Dance Sports will become a regular feature — a nod to Cebu’s active dance sport community.
“Of the 541 athletes competing in this year’s Palarong Pambansa, I am certain that many will become record holders and champions in their respective fields, not only at the national level but I’m sure also internationally,” President Marcos Jr. stated, encouraging athletes to showcase not only their physical prowess but also the Filipino heart and spirit.
“It is your moment to shine. Participate actively in your events, and play with pride, tenacity, play with integrity. Show the Filipino’s indomitable character, our graciousness in defeat, and our magnanimity in victory. In this way, you will bring pride to the schools and regions that you represent,” he added.
“So, let us celebrate this occasion together with joy and camaraderie. Let us build a brighter future for our youth, for sports and for our country so that through the fires and forges of competition, we become stronger and closer as a nation towards the Bagong Pilipinas we aspire,” he said, concluding his message.
With the ceremonial declaration, President Marcos Jr. officially opened the Palarong Pambansa 2024, “Sa bisa ng kapangyarihan na ipinagkaloob sa akin bilang Pangulo ng Republika ng Pilipinas, idinedeklara ko ang pagbubukas ng Palarong Pambansa sa taong ito! Mabuhay ang Palarong Pambansa 2024!”
The opening ceremony set the stage for a week filled with competitive sports, showcasing the talents and dedication of Filipino youth, and fostering a sense of unity and national pride.
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