President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that his administration commits to supporting young Filipinos' participation in sports in order to instill excellent characteristics such as discipline and tenacity.
In his remarks at the beginning of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa at the Marikina Sports Center, Marcos guarantees that the government is committed to promoting young athletes' abilities and championing their well-being.
He went on to say that his administration believes in the transforming power of athletics, not just for boosting strength and agility but also for developing character and discipline.
The Palarong Pambansa, the country's greatest youth sporting event combining elementary and high school student-athletes, has produced famous Filipino athletes, according to Marcos.
The President urged the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government entities to continue promoting youth participation in sports that teach them the values of discipline and resilience in achieving their goals.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, Marikina 1st District Rep. Marjorie Ann Teodoro, and Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro were among those who joined the President at the ceremony.
The Palarong Pambansa comes back after a three-year absence owing to the COVID-19 pandemic with the theme "Batang Malakas, Bansang Matatag."
From July 29 to August 5, about 9,172 athletes, coaches, and officials representing the country's 17 regions will compete in 34 categories, including games for the differently abled.
This year's sporting event also revives classic Filipino games known as larong lahi with demonstration events like kadang-kadang, tumbang preso, and patintero to conserve and promote the country's rich cultural history.
Paragames, weightlifting, and obstacle course racing are also considered exhibition sports, whereas dancing sports, pencak silat, and e-sports are considered demonstration sports.
