The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
“As you take part in your chosen sport, remember you are already champions. And now, you represent your respective schools and localities. Compete with excellence, fairness, and integrity.”
Thus said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa at the Marikina Sports Center in Marikina City.
Marcos encouraged the participating student-athletes from the country’s 17 regions to give their best and compete fairly during the multi-sports competition scheduled July 29-August 5.
“It is also my hope that you will enjoy every moment in this competition and make memories during this competition that you will keep close to your heart for the rest of your life.”
The country’s chief executive said the Palarong Pambansa has produced world-class Filipino athletes.
“These kinds of events, the Palarong Pambansa, na ‘yung ating Palarong Panlalawigan pati ‘yung ating mga regional na laban, diyan po nagbubunga ang ating mga nagiging champion. Diyan po nanggagaling
‘yung mga ating – na mga sikat na Pilipino na kinikilala hindi lamang dito sa Pilipinas kung hindi sa buong mundo. Iyan po ang aming inaasahan sa inyo,” said Marcos.
“I am certain many of our participants here one day we’ll be watching in international competition as we have become a force in terms of international sports.”
Among those present during the ceremony were Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte,, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Anton Lagdameo, Philippine Sports Commission, Commissioner Matthew Gaston, and Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro.
Marcos assured the government remains steadfast in developing the “prowess of young Filipino athletes and in championing their well-being.”
“This administration believes in the transformative power of sports, not only in improving one’s strength and agility, but also in building up character and discipline,” he said.
“We have faith that you will emerge victorious – not only victorious against the challenges in the playing field and in your academic work – but also in the journey of life.”
Marcos also urged DepEd and the local government units to continue encouraging the youth to participate in sports.
“I urge the Department of Education to keep harnessing the talents and sportsmanship of our student-athletes. Continue to leverage your reach and resources to provide them with the support, training and opportunities that they thrive on and on which they will succeed,” said Marcos.
“With consistent and diligent efforts, I am confident that they will eventually bring glory to our nation not only in the field of sports, but also in other endeavors that they will choose to pursue.”
“So, as we commence the 2023 Palarong Pambansa, I invite all our countrymen to watch the games, cheer for our favorite players and teams, learn to see who are going to be the future champions of the
Philippines, and we watch them as they compete in their respective sports”.
Volleyball star Alysa Valdez led the oath of sportsmanship and Basketball player Mark Barroca and volleyball player Bea de Leon led the lighting of the cauldron.
A total of 9,172 athletes will compete for top honors in 34 sports.
This year’s Palaro theme is “Batang Malakas, Bansang Matatag”
