IP Games goes to Lake Sebu

LAKE SEBU, South Cotabato - It's all systems go for the three-day Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-backed Indigneous Peoples Games (IPG) set on Thursday to Saturday (June 14 to 16) at the Lake Sebu Municipal Gym here.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey, who oversees the IP Games program, said some 300 participants from 10 local government units (LGUs) are expected to join the Games being held for the first time in this part of Mindanao.

Organized in cooperation with National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) and the Municipality of Lake Sebu, Maxey said in the vernacular, "We’re all set for the second leg of our IP Games. We’ve already conducted series of meetings and at inspected the venues, billeting areas in Lake Sebu.”

The first IPG was held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte last April. The Games aims to preserve, promote and propagate the rich cultural heritage of the IPs as embodied in Republic Act (RA) 8371, also known as the IP Right Act of 1997 and at the same time provide equal opportunities for all as mandated by President Rodrigo Duterte to the agency.

"I am excited for this second leg as it will reintroduce IP's traditional sports to the younger generation," Maxey added.

He also said that Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, who is currently training in General Santos City for his upcoming World Boxing Association (WBA) World welterweight title fight against Lucas Matthysse of Argentina, was invited to grace the opening ceremonies along with South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes. Other city and municipal were also invited.

The IPs will wear their traditional attire during the opening that will also showcase cultural song and dance presentations from T'boli, Lake Sebu, Koronadal City, and Surallah.

Games to be showcased are hemanak, hanaw or kadang, sedeyol be klifak bliboy, setanggung or lechon race, sudul, meyon kuda law, and defut or sfut.