IP Games ready

TAGUM City, Davao del Norte – It’s all systems go for the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-backed Indigenous Peoples (IP) Games in the province of Davao del Norte on April 27 and 28.

PSC commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey said he is excited for the first salvo of the IP Games which will also be implemented in Bukidnon, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Ifugao, Benguet, and Nueva Vizcaya.

“We coordinated with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the provincial officials for the project. We had series of coordination meetings with the tribal leaders before we received the green light,” Maxey said.

He added the rationale behind this project is for the preservation of the traditional games of the IPs.

The highlights of the IP Games will be the Games Demonstration, Games Competition, Indigenous Peoples Games, Forum and Photo Contest.

PSC Chairman William I. Ramirez and Maxey, oversight commissioner for the IP Games, will deliver inspirational messages to some 300 participants from six Indigenous Peoples (IP) tribes that include AtaManobo, Sama, Dibabawon, Mandaya, Mangguangan, and Mansaka.

Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario, for his part, will also deliver his welcome remarks along with other local chief executives of the participating LGUs.

Participating local government units (LGUs) are New Corella, Talaingod, Carmen, Panabo City, Sto. Tomas, Asuncion, Kapalong, Tagum City, Dujali, Island Garden City of Samal, and San Isidro.

The IPs will see action in eight common games including Kadang-Kadang sa Bagol, Kadang-Kadang sa Bamboo, Lubok sa Humay, Butong sa Lubid, Pana, Bangkaw, Basket sa Likod, 4x100m event, and 100m run.

“We have also included games for women as well, particularly the Lubok sa Humay and Kadang-Kadang sa Bagol,” Maxey said.

PSC provided the participants with food for the two-day event as well as shirts and transportation allowances.