Baguio, Benguet prepare for Palaro hosting bid
MAYOR Mauricio Domogan, Benguet Provincial Administrator Noel Ngolob and Department of Education OIC regional director May Eclar met Thursday at City Hall with representatives of universities and colleges in Baguio and Benguet including the Philippine Military Academy to finalize the presentation in their bid to host the 2018 Palarong Pambansa.
The universities, colleges and PMA were also asked of their commitments in allowing their facilities and equipment to be used if ever Baguio and Benguet are chosen as hosts of the country’s largest sports event.
It will be the first time the Cordillera region will be the Palaro’s venue should this happen.
During the meeting, Eclar showed an audio visual presentation with the slogan, “Highest and Coolest Palaro Ever”, highlighting Baguio and Benguet’s temperate climate, unique culture, political stability and peaceful atmosphere, also as home and favorite training grounds of world-class athletes, venue of international events like the Miss Universe, and more.
Domogan said Baguio and Benguet’s temperate climate should be highlighted in the presentation since this will be advantageous for the young athletes in preventing heat exhaustion when they are competing outdoors.
Baguio and Benguet’s general cool weather also makes it possible for whole day events and not have to temporarily stop the games at certain times due to extreme heat as what happened in previous Palaros held in other places.
The Mayor expressed the city government’s desire to serve as venue of the country’s largest sports event and with the completion of the Baguio Athletic Bowl’s rehabilitation and partnership with Benguet province, the dream can now be fulfilled.
Domogan said the city expects to face tough competition during the bidding since there are several government units equally interested to host the sports meet.
The mayor stressed with the support of Benguet province, “we are confident that our bid will be given favorable consideration by the Palarong Pambansa Technical Evaluation Committee headed by DepEd.”
Earlier, the city sports development office under Gaudencio Gonzales conducted a facility and equipment evaluation to assess the city’s capability in housing the sports spectacle including those privately owned that can be tapped for the activity.
Gonzales said they are confident Baguio and Benguet can present enough number of venues, facilities and equipment both for the events and accommodation of thousands of participants from the other regions to satisfy the organizers’ requirements. Gaby Keith/Baguio City PIO