PALARONG PAMBANSA 2014
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 06 May 2014
STA. CRUZ , LAGUNA - The biggest sporting event of the country, the 57th edition of the Palarong Pambansa, opened Monday in this capital of Laguna province with 12,000 athletes and officials from 17 regions.
Gov. Jeorge ER Ejercito welcomed the huge multitude of delegates at the Laguna Sports Complex here. Manila Mayor and former President Joseph Estrada was the guest of honor. He cited the importance of sports in our life and hoping the Palaro would be instrumental in the nation's quest for the first Olympic gold medal.
The Department of Education led by Sec. Armin Luistro spearheaded the department''s role in supporting the sporting event. TESDA secretary Joel Villanueva also graced the colorful opening rites. Also present were PSC chairman Ritchie Garcia and PSC Commissioner Jolly Ramirez.
Another honored guest, Congressman Manny Pacquiao failed to show up due to family problems. Winter Olympian figure skater Michael Martinez, national swimmer actor Enchong Dee and college basketball stars Jeron and Jeric Teng stirred the participants when they carried the torch and lighted the urn amidst the cheers of the appreciative crowd.
Our Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Asociation (EVRAA) delegation, where most of the athletes survived Yolanda, won the sympathy of the audience as they carried banners saying "We survived. Thank you for your help." Region 8 sent a complete delegation inspite of the supertyphoon.
The biggest statue of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal , depicting him as a sportsman-fencer was unveiled at the sports complex.
The Palarong Pambansa is an annual sports spectacle for students. In May 2013, President Benigno Aquino III signed Republic Act No. 10588 or Palarong Pambansa Law institutionalizing the said event. According to DepEd this year?s Palaro is the first Palarong Pambansa under the said law.
Photo shows the writer during the Palarong Pambansa opening at the Laguna Sports Complex.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Apolinario to fight Hu in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Warriors Shoot Down Rockets, 95-85 as Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder Take Care of Business
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 21 Apr 20252025 USA Boxing International Open Finalized on Saturday
Mon, 21 Apr 2025Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025