Delegates arrive in Davao for 2019 Palarong Pambansa

DAVAO CITY – It is all systems go for the opening of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa on Saturday (April 27) at the University of the Philippines Mindanao Sports complex here, as delegates from Regions 1 to 12 are expected to arrive Monday for the national games.

Department of Education (DepEd) spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said the arrival of athletes from all 17 regions are expected today (April 22), including another group of technical officials.

“We are more than ready,” said Atillo, adding that all the billeting quarters and event venues have been prepared for the athletes and officials.

Meanwhile,, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) said it will also start the full deployment of its personnel by Friday, including the augmentation force from the Police Regional Office-11.

“The deployment is almost complete,” said DCPO spokesperson Police Captain Maria Theresita Gaspan, adding that some of their personnel have been deployed to the billeting quarters to ensure the safety of the athletes and coaches who started arriving during the weekend.

The 2019 Palarong Pambansa will be held from April 27 to May 2-the first for the city after 69 years.

Palarong Pambansa is the largest youth sporting event, first held in 1948 as the premier venue for providing in-school sports opportunities to improve the physical, intellectual and social well-being of the youth.

Republic Act No. 10588 issued in 2013 institutionalized the Palarong Pambansa aimed at promoting physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for international competitions and to foster self-discipline. (PNA)