DepEd, Albay prepare for Palaro 2016

MANILA, Philippines – The education department and the province of Albay are gearing up for the 59th Palarong Pambansa from April 10 to 16 at the Albay Sports and Tourism Complex in Legazpi City.

With the theme Transforming Communities, Transcending Through K to 12, the annual event will gather elementary and high school students from public and private schools nationwide.

This year, 18 regions will be competing, including the recently-established Negros Island Region. (READ: FAST FACTS: The Negros Island Region)

Elementary students will compete in 15 games, while high school students will compete in 17 games and 4 demonstration sports: Futsal, Wushu, Billiards, and Wrestling.

The education department said this year’s Palaro will determine whether the 4 sports will be included as regular games next year.

Palaro aims to widen the base for talent identification, selection, recruitment, training, and exposure of students who will be the athletes’ roster for international sports competitions of the National Sports Associations.

“We are institutionalizing this sports program to ensure that we are developing athletes that are of international caliber,” Education Secretary Armin Luistro said in a statement Wednesday, March 23.

He added: “Together with the Philippine Sports Commission and the provincial government of Albay, the department will see to it that the standards are at international level and that the coaching staff, the technical officials as well as the playing venues conform to international standards.” 

One of the highlights of this year’s Palaro is the special games for children with special needs, which include athletics, swimming, goal ball, and Bocce – a ball sport closely related to bowling.

The education department and Albay vows to make Palaro an organized and environment-friendly event. Education Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali said this means instilling in the kids the discipline to keep the sports venues and billeting quarters clean, and the use of recyclable materials during meals.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda, whose province will be hosting the annual event for the first time, said it is necessary that sports be an integral part of education. (READ: Albay will host 2016 Palarong Pambansa)

“More than that I believe that it is part of a solidifying spirit for our communities because it’s something that can bind us together by promoting a value system that essentially allows us to foster camaraderie among regions,” he added. – Rappler.com