LAOAG CITY, Philippines — From as North as the Cordilleras to the South of Bangsamoros, all paths lead to the Ilocos Norte capital as the 2025 Palarong Pambansa promises to be the “best ever” in its 65 editions so far – under the scorching summer heat it may be.
And at the center of it will be no less than the President and Ilocandia’s very own son Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., in a festive opening ceremony today at 6:30 p.m. after the “Parada ng mga Atleta” at 5 p.m. to champion athletic excellence, cultural heritage, and national pride at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium (FEMMS).
Joining the President is the country’s first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz as the booming discipline of weightlifting makes its debut as a demo sport in this year’s Palaro, along with kickboxing and futsal as exhibition games.
Pencak silat and pole vault have also been recognized as regular sports from just a demo in past editions.
Over 15,000 people from the archipelago’s 18 regions trooped to the Northern tourist spot that boasts the Bangui Wind Farm, pristine beaches and world-class diving sites of Pagudpud, the majestic Paoay Church and the La Paz Sand Dunes.
The nation’s finest student-athletes vie in 34 sports in 40 playing venues.
The National Capital Region remains the team to beat in the scholastic sports competition. — Bella Cariaso