President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the opening ceremony of the 65th Palarong Pambansa on Saturday, returning the country’s biggest student-athlete competition to his home province of Ilocos Norte after 57 years.
Held at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium in Laoag City, the state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported that the ceremony kicked off with a colorful “Parada ng mga Atleta” along Rizal Street and Sirib Mile, where regional contingents marched to the beat of drum and lyre bands and lively cheers.
The President, introduced by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, addressed thousands of athletes, coaches, and guests. Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, the President’s nephew, welcomed the delegations.
“Masaya akong makasama kayo dito ngayon sa Palarong Pambansa. Alam kong excited at kinakabahan ang ating mga atleta. Yong iba hindi na makatulog at hindi makakain matapos ang ilang buwan na paghahanda. Nandito na kayo upang ipakita ang galing ninyo sa pagsusulong ng sports,” he said.
“Hindi madali ang inyong pinagdaanan. Yong oras na ipapahinga ninyo ay gagamitin ninyo pa sa practice at saka sa training. Mag-aaral sa umaga, tapos ensayo sa hapon. Minsan kulang pa sa gamit o sa panggastos, ngunit wala sa inyo ang sumuko,” he added.
After the President’s message, a solar-powered cauldron was ceremonially lit by Ilocano sports standouts, including Jemmuelle James Espiritu (archery), Mark Anthony Domingo (athletics), Jesson Ramil Cid (decathlon), Roger Tapia (para-athletics), Eric Ang (trap shooting), and junior baseball and softball players from the province.
A total of 15,675 delegates from the country’s 18 regions, the National Academy of Sports, and Philippine overseas schools are participating in this year’s games, organized by the Department of Education under the theme “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan” (United Archipelago).
The annual meet features 24 regular sports such as athletics, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, and taekwondo. Weightlifting is introduced this year as a demonstration sport, while kickboxing, girls’ football, and girls’ futsal will be played as exhibition events.
Athletes with disabilities will also compete in para-athletics, para-swimming, bocce, and goalball, highlighting the Palaro’s commitment to inclusivity.
The program showcased “Palakasan: Tales of Filipino Strength,” a cultural performance celebrating Ilocano heritage and stories of resilience, including the epic of Lam-ang, the 1807 Basi Revolt, and the Olympic legacy of swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso, Ilocos Norte’s pride and the country’s first Olympic medalist.
Gerick Jhon Flores, an 11-year-old baseball prodigy who earned the Most Stolen Bases award at the 11th BFA U12 Asian Baseball Championship in Japan, led the Oath of Athletes, while Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz led the Oath of Coaches and Technical Officials. Diaz also serves as the technical director of weightlifting in this year’s games.
Singer Angeline Quinto capped the program with her rendition of “Ako ay Pilipino,” a song about Filipino identity and pride.
Exhibition matches begin Sunday, with official competitions scheduled from May 26 to 30. The closing ceremony will be held on May 31.
