Palaro Introduces Demo Sport Beach Volleyball

Palarong Pambansa continues to evolve not only with he athletes but also the sports that are included for the events. Since new sports are developed, introduced and played, there will always consideration for a new event to be added for the games. This year, Davao Del Norte introduces Beach Volleyball as a demonstration sport for this year's Palaro.

And it also a perfect time as it falls within the summer period and the sport has a growing number of courts and events that even national and international sporting events have also adapted. There is also the demand for sand courts to be built like the Sands in SM Mall of Asia by the bay.  Creating such courts has minimal maintenance even in mountainous regions since fine sand is abundant here in the Philippines.

We Are LIVE at Palarong Pambansa!

Yes, for the first time since we share news about Palarong Pambansa which happened annually in various places in Luzon, Visayas and now Mindanao, I am happy to share that Manual To Lyf can share live news as well as the stories that come from the delegates (athletes, coaches, officials, organizers) themselves live from the City of Tagum in Davao Del Norte.

As it is also my first time in Mindanao, the ambiance of doing a far away coverage will be new yet exciting for me. I will be making video interviews and live updates on events that we can attend to. So if you maybe a family or friend of someone who is competing in Palarong Pambansa, give them a cheer from wherever you may be.

DepEd: All systems go for Palaro 2015

The Department of Education (DepEd) has completed the preparations for the 58th Palarong Pambansa in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The national sporting event’s original kick off date was moved to May 4, to support our boxing champion Manny Pacquiao in his fight against Floyd Mayweather Junior this coming Sunday.

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said that all necessary arrangements have been secured. “Every year, we aim to make the Palarong Pambansa a special event highlighting what the Filipino youth can showcase to the world in the field of sports,” Luistro said.

New records to break in Palaro 2015

2014 marks the year of triumphs and remarkable feats in the field of Sports. For the 57th Palarong Pambansa, it was also the year for the Athletics and Swimming category as decade-old-records were broken by this generation’s roster of student athletes.

Last year, Luzon excelled through its champions from the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region 3. NCR’s sprint athlete, Jomar Udtohan turned heads as he broke three meet records in the 100M (43.1 s), 200M (21.8 s), and 400M (48.7 s) dash. His performance was even compared to the “Asia’s Sprint Queen” Lydia de Vega-Mercado’s skill in the early 80s. Also, Bryan Pacheco from Central Luzon wowed crowds through his throwing skills as he achieved a new record of 15.32m in the Shot Put category. Pacheco even outdid his old 2013 record in the Javelin Throw, making 62.47m the new number to break.

850 special games athletes set to compete in Palaro 2015

 Sports. Education. Opportunities.

These are some of the best words that describe Palarong Pambansa.  One of Palaro’s highlights over the past years is the Special Games category where children with special needs (CSNs) are able to showcase their sporting talents to the community.   

The Special Games are composed of Athletics (100M, 200M, 400M, 4X100M, Shot put, Running & Standing long jump), Swimming (50M Backstroke, Breastroke, Freestyle), Goal ball and Bocce – a ball sport closely related to bowling. 

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC presents Palaro as a means to support the Department’s commitment to provide equal educational opportunities for all learners. “Ang Palarong Pambansa, kagaya ng edukasyon, ay inclusive o bukas sa lahat. Wala itong pinipili, wala itong itinatangi. Ito ay para sa lahat na may pusong handang magpunyagi upang sa dulo ay magwagi” he said.

DepEd: Palaro 2015 to highlight peace and camaraderie

What started in 1948 as a quaint inter-school sporting event in Manila became an annual petri dish of discipline, teamwork, excellence, solidarity, and sportsmanship among others. This event is now popularly known as the Palarong Pambansa

Over the last 65 years, Palarong Pambansa has produced outstanding athletes in different fields of sports. The road to their success, however, was paved not only by victories but also by defeats and humbling experiences. As such,he Palaro has served as a training ground for opportunities and challenges.

Tagum City is Palarong Pambansa 2015 venue

After careful deliberation, officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) have selected Tagum City, Davao del Norte to host the 2015 Palarong Pambansa. The city beat out five other bidders – Dipolog City, Pagadian City, Koronadal City, Lanao del Norte province, and CARAGA region.

Before announcing the results of the vote, Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC asked for the support of the cities that were not selected. “This is a vote for Mindanao. This year we were surprised at the number of bidders. We hope that we still have your support.”

When asked what he expected from the host Luistro replied, “The only thing we need to expect is for Tagum to deliver.” He added, “Ang maganda sa Tagum ay mukhang handa na ang lahat. Hindi na kailangan pa ng dagdag na buwang preparasyon.” The Palarong Pambansa is held in May with hosting duties rotating yearly among the island groups.

Competitive bidding

Months before the official presentation, DepEd and Philippine Sports Commission officials inspected each venue to see if the facilities and billeting areas are adequate. PSC Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez reported to the body the rating system that they used, which included international standards, distance from the main complex, power supply, and security, among others. DepEd’s Schools Sports Events and Activities Unit Head Cesar Abalon reported on the status of the billeting areas, which are evaluated based on the adequacy of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen areas and medical provisions.