Ben Madilynn
LAOAG CITY — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz will lead the formal opening of the 65th Palarong Pambansa, the country’s premier national school sports competition, at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium.
With the theme “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan (United Archipelago),” this year’s edition of the Palaro will bring together 15,675 delegates and officials from 17 regions, the National Academy of Sports, Philippine Schools Overseas, and the National Technical Working Group for a week-long celebration of athletic excellence, cultural heritage, and national pride.
President Marcos is expected to officially declare the opening of the Palaro and deliver his speech, highlighting the role of youth and sports in shaping the nation.
Meanwhile, Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz will lead the Oath of Coaches and Technical Officials, marking her first stint as technical director of the weightlifting event (a demonstration sport) at the Palarong Pambansa.
The opening ceremony will kick off with the Parade of Athletes at 5 p.m., featuring delegations from the different regions, drum and lyre corps, and cheering squads along Rizal Street and Sirib Mile in Laoag City.
The main program will begin with the performance “Palakasan: Tales of Filipino Strength,” inspired by the stories of Lam-ang, the Basi Revolt, and the legacy of Ilocano Olympian Teofilo Yldefonso, paying tribute to Ilocos Norte’s rich culture and the valued Ilocano traits of bravery, resilience, and camaraderie.
Gerick Jhon Flores, a young baseball standout and record-holder in the 11th BFA U12 Asian Baseball Championship, will recite the athletes’ oath on behalf of thousands of young competitors.
The symbolic lighting of the Palarong Pambansa beam will be led by distinguished athletes from past editions of the Palaro, SEA Games, and Paralympics — including archer Jemmuelle James Espiritu, trackster Mark Anthony Domingo, decathlete Jesson Cid, para-athlete Roger Tapia, and trap shooter Eric Ang.
Singer Angeline Quinto will entertain the audience with her rendition of patriotic songs “Ako ay Pilipino” and “Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas.”
Led by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, under Governor Matthew M. Manotoc and Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, in coordination with the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte, the 2025 Palarong Pambansa is set to run until May 31. / PR
Source: 65th Palaro begins
