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TAGUM CITY, Philippines - This year's Palarong Pambansa officially kicks off here, after 4 years of intense preparation by the provincial government of Davao del Norte.
The opening ceremonies, however, is cut short due to bad weather. Both Interior Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II and Education Secretary Armin Luistro insisted that the program be done fast so as not to put the athletes' health at risk
Here are the program's other highlights.
Palarong Pambansa 2015 officially begins here in Tagum City. Although the opening ceremonies was cut short due to bad weather, the rains did not dampen the spirit of the athletes and the organizers.
The activity started with an olympic style parade of athletes, where the 17 regions proudly showed their heritage and choreographed moves. The program went on until Interior and Local Government secretary Mar Roxas, during his speech, asked the athletes to leave the field and go back to their billeting areas due to the downpour.
MAR ROXAS II, DILG SECRETARY: Sa ngalan po ng kalusugan ng ating mga manlalaro, sa ngalan ng kanilang health, ay bibilisan po natin ang seremoniyang ito para ligtas na makabalik sa magandang shelter ang mga manlalaro.
The lighting of the Palaro torch signals the start of an era for Davao del Norte whose government plans to build a sports academy here in Tagum.
RODOLFO DEL ROSARIO, DAVAO DEL NORTE GOVERNOR: For it is in this friendly competition that character is tempered, bring out the will-power, skills, graciousness and humility, which are the most pleasing character of a man. Sports cannot solve all our problems but it can help us achieve our aim of becoming one solid nation.
Around 12,000 athletes from across the country will compete in 17 sports events until May 9. More than earning medals, government officials hope the athletes will exemplify this year’s theme - breaking borders, building peace.
David Lozada, Rappler Tagum City - Rappler.com