President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. at the opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa, July 31, 2023 | PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Ryan Leagogo
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. believes that many of the student athletes participating in the ongoing Palarong Pambansa have the capability to turn the country into a sporting powerhouse in the future.
Marcos in his speech on Monday, delivered before student athletes at the formal opening of the games in Marikina City, said that he thinks some of the participants present would be able to represent the country in international competitions someday.
“I am certain (that) many of our participants here, one day, we will be watching in international competitions as we have become a force in terms of international sports,” Marcos said.
“And these kinds of events—the Palarong Pambansa, ‘yon ating Larong Panlalawigan, pati ‘yong ating mga Regional na naglalaban — d’yan po nagbubunga ang ating mga nagiging champion, d’yan po nangagagaling ‘yong mga ating sikat na Pilipino na kinikilala hindi lamang dito sa Pilipinas, kung hindi sa buong mundo—’yan po ang aming inaasahan sa inyo,” he added.
(And these kinds of events — the Palarong Pambansa, our Larong Panlalawigan (provincial games), even our regional tilt — that is where our champions come from, that is the source of our famous athletes renowned not only in the Philippines but across the world. That is what we expect from you.)
Marcos also congratulated the athletes for making it this far — as students representing a city or town are usually selected from a larger pool of good athletes.
For this, the Chief Executive said that participants can already be considered winners.
“As you take part in your chosen sport, remember you are already champions. And now you represent your respective schools and localities. Compete with excellence, fairness, and integrity. It is also my hope that you will enjoy every moment in this competition and make memories during this competition that you will keep close to your heart for the rest of your life,” Marcos said.
“So I welcome everyone to the 2023 Palarong Pambansa. Congratulations in advance because as far as we are concerned, you are already winners,” he added.
For many years, the Palarong Pambansa is considered as a sports scout’s paradise, as it is where future national athletes are discovered. It also allows students who are coming from less-financially capable areas to have a shot at progress, as several of the country’s professional athletes have found their way to either college education, stardom or fortune through the said games.
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The late sprint legend Lydia de Vega, who for years was the fastest woman in Asia, came from the said program. Former national football team skipper Chieffy Caligdong too was a product of the Palarong Pambansa.
READ: Lydia De Vega-Mercado kinilalang Palaro Lifetime Achievement Awardee
Marcos assured the athletes, their family, and coaches that the government would continue to support the development of sporting programs.
“I convey my utmost support to everyone responsible for this event and to all those who support us in pushing sports development in our country, I assure you that this government remains steadfast in developing the prowess of our young athletes and in championing their well-being,” he said.
“This administration believes in the transformative power of sports, not only in improving one’s strength and agility, but also in building up character and discipline. I urge the Department of Education to keep harnessing the talents and sportsmanship of our student athletes. Continue to leverage your reach and resources to provide them with the support, training, and opportunities that they thrive on and on which they will succeed,” he added.
READ: Marikina City suspends classes, gov’t offices on Monday for Palarong Pambansa