Marcos, Hidilyn Diaz Lead Palarong Pambansa 2025 Opening

LAOAG CITY — The 65th Palarong Pambansa opens on May 24, 2025, at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium (FEMMS), as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz lead the ceremonial opening of the country’s premier scholastic sports competition.

With the theme “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan,” this year’s Palaro brings together 15,675 delegates and officials from 17 regions, the National Academy of Sports (NAS), Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO), and National Technical Working Group in a week-long celebration of athletic excellence, cultural heritage, and national pride.

Marcos is expected to formally declare the games open during his keynote message, highlighting the role of youth and sports in nation-building. 

Meanwhile, Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz will lead the Oath of Coaches and Technical Officials, marking her debut as Technical Director of the Weightlifting event (demonstration sports) in the Palarong Pambansa.

The opening ceremony begins with the “Parada ng mga Atleta” at 5:00 p.m., showcasing regional delegations led by vibrant drum and lyre corps and spirited student cheer squads along Rizal Street and Sirib Mile in Laoag City.

The main program will open with “Palakasan: Tales of Filipino Strength,” featuring performances inspired by Lam-ang, the Basi Revolt, and the legacy of Ilocano Olympian Teofilo Yldefonso, paying tribute to Ilocos Norte’s rich cultural roots and its enduring values of courage, resilience, and bayanihan. 

Baseball prodigy Gerick Jhon Flores, record-holder in the 11th BFA U12 Asian Baseball Championship, will deliver the Athlete’s Oath on behalf of thousands of young athletes.

The symbolic lighting of the Palarong Pambansa lightbeam will be, led by decorated athletes from previous Palaro editions, the SEA Games, and the Paralympics — including Jemmuelle James Espiritu (archery), Mark Anthony Domingo (athletics), Jesson Cid (decathlon), Roger Tapia (para-athletics), and Eric Ang (trap shooting).

Singer Angeline Quinto will also perform the powerful anthems “Ako ay Pilipino” and “Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas.”

Hosted by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, led by Governor Matthew M. Manotoc and Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos and in collaboration with the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte, Palarong Pambansa 2025 is set to run until May 31. PR