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.

DepEd ensures safe and learner-centered Palarong Pambansa

For Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC, the Palarong Pambansa is more than just an annual sports meet. “It is the culmination of all sports and physical development programs of DepEd from Kinder to Grade 12. Nakapaloob ito sa K to 12 curriculum,” he explains prior to meeting Department of Education (DepEd) regional directors. 

DepEd, Laguna, ink agreement on 2014 Palarong Pambansa

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Provincial Government of Laguna solidified their partnership to conduct the 2014 Palarong Pambansa through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on January 13 by Laguna Governor Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito Jr. and Education Secretary Br Armin. A. Luistro FSC. The MOU stipulated the duties and responsibilities of both parties to ensure a well- managed and professionally run Palaro.

“The Province of Laguna will be the first host to the first Palarong Pambansa, which started in 1948, under the recently passed Palarong Pambansa Institutionalization Law or Republic Act 10588,” explained DepEd Assistant Secretary for legal and legislative affairs Tonisito Umali.

Palarong Pambansa 2013 Will Be in Negros Oriental

DepEd together with the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental recently had the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement  for the upcoming Palarong Pambasa 2013 that will be held in Negros Oriental this April.

This has been a long-awaited moment to the province which have waited almost two decades to be part of the Palarong Pambansa where Pangasinan hosted last year's event. The city of Dumagete will welcome the athletes and official that will participate in the annual sports meet which is organized by the Department of Education.