All set for Palaro Games in Dapitan

Preparations for the 2011 Palarong Pambansa in Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte are now in full swing. This was bared by Rose Domingo, the Department of Education (DepEd) Task Force for School Sports officer in charge, squelching reports that the hosting of the event will be transferred to Naga City. “There are text messages being circulated that the hosting will be moved to Bicol. But that is not true and Dapitan City remains the host for this year’s Palarong Pambansa," said Domingo. The country’s biggest sports event for elementary and high school students is slated from May 8 to 14 with 10,000 athletes, officials and visitors from 17 regions expected to troop to Dapitan City. DepEd, led by undersecretary Tonisito Umali, had also conducted an ocular inspection at the host city last week. He expressed confidence that all renovations and construction will be finished before the opening of the games. Vice President Jejomar Binay has been invited to grace the opening ceremony. “We liked what we saw, and we’re happy with the way the Local Government Units are doing," added Domingo. Former Congressman Romeo Jalosjos, a staunch backer of local tennis, heads the organizing group, while the LGUs from Sibugan and Zamboanga del Norte also showed their support to ensure a successful staging of the 54th edition of the Palaro. This is also the first time the city is hosting the Palaro and the first time in 28 years that Zamboanga del Norte will be holding the games. It was in 1982 when the province hosted the Palaro in Dipolog City. The Jose Rizal Memorial State University will be the main venue, where track and field and swimming will be played. “Construction is ongoing for other venues and billeting areas," added Domingo. A P200-million fund is needed to cover the cost of refurbishment and construction. Jalosjos is confident the organizers will be able to raise the funds needed through the help of the LGUs and the national government. - KY, RCJ, GMA News