Privilege Speech on the Palarong Pambansa 2017

Senator Loren Legarda

Privilege Speech on the Palarong Pambansa 2017

3 May 2017 | Senate Session Hall

Mr. President,

The 60^th Palarong Pambansa recently concluded in my home province, Antique, and I stand here today to express my gratitude to everyone involved and to commit my continuing support for sports development in our country.

I wish to congratulate all the participants—from the winning region, NCR and to all the student-athletes from all regions. It was a proud moment for me to see our young, talented athletes gathered in my home province.

I would like to thank President Rodrigo Duterte for gracing the opening ceremony. His presence was appreciated by the Antiqueños, but more so by the student-athletes who felt that sports development is also a priority of government.

I also wish to thank the Department of Education (DepEd) led by Secretary Leonor Briones and Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali, who is the Secretary-General of the Palarong Pambansa, as well as Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairperson William “Butch” Ramirez, for their support for Antique in staging this very important sports event.

Asec. Umali said that the DepEd is developing a roadmap that would “build champions” through regular trainings of student-athletes, provision of assistance from the PSC, and establishment of varsity systems in public schools, among others.

We need to develop sports and encourage the youth to be involved in sports and other extracurricular activities for their holistic development and also as a way to keep the youth off drugs and other vices.

Finally, I congratulate Governor Rhodora Cadiao, Vice Governor Edgar Denosta, the local officials and employees, and my fellow Antiqueños. I am very proud of them. Through their diligence, cooperation and sense of duty, our humble province was able to host the Palarong Pambansa.

Antique’s hosting of the Palarong Pambansa proves that even a small province can stage a big national event with the support and cooperation of all agencies and sectors concerned. With passion, hardwork and creativity, we can accomplish great things.

In fact, the use of homestays to accommodate some of the delegates and their companions provided a unique experience as it allowed better interaction between the guests and the Antiqueños, with some building friendships and even exchanging recipes.

Camaraderie was built not only inside the sporting venues among the student-athletes, but also within the province between guests and hosts.

The Palaro also gave Antique the opportunity to showcase tourism. Guests felt the warm Antiqueño hospitality and were amazed with the natural beauty of our province. This is why we must preserve our natural treasures, which provide us with positive energy that allow us to be more productive and inspired.

It was also a venue to showcase arts and culture. DepEd Region 10 organized the inauguration of a friendship marker between the Province of Northern Mindanao and Antique and also set up an exhibit of traditional crafts, which allowed them to share with other regions their culture and creativity.

This is the true value of the Palarong Pambansa. It is not only geared towards sports development but also serves as a venue for instilling the values of self-discipline, respect for law and order, sportsmanship and camaraderie. It is an avenue to showcase the beauty of our provinces, the strength of our people, and the unity among our citizens.

Again, congratulations to everyone involved in the 60^th Palarong Pambansa.

Thank you, Mr. President.