THE 65th Palarong Pambansa opened on Saturday, May 24 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, with over 15,000 student-athletes, coaches, and delegates slated to take part in the annual event.
A colorful parade of delegates welcomed the first weekend of Palaro, displaying a variety of outfits and ornaments from their local districts. Various performances of cultural heritage were also featured.
The highlight of Monday’s action was Eastern Visayas representative Chrisia Mae Tajarros, who won the 3000m secondary girls finals at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium to complete her redemption tour.
First Gold Notched
The 13-year-old runner from Tanauan National High School in Leyte dominated from the start, winning the first gold medal in the ongoing Palaro and improving on her silver medal performance from previous year.
Tajarros, a Grade 9 student at Tanauan National High School in Leyte, placed second in the 2024 edition, trailing then-gold medalist Asia Paraase of Lapu-Lapu City.
Mary Mae Magbanua of the Caraga area won the silver medal in 10 minutes and 48.4 seconds, while hometown favorite Nathalei Miguel of the Ilocos region took bronze in 10 minutes and 50.4 seconds.
“Naiiyak po ako kasi nakuha ko po’yung gold, hindi po nasayang ‘yung training,” an emotional Tajarros told the media. “Nagpapasalamat po ako kay God kasi narinig niya po’yung panalangin ko at ‘yung mga sacrifices ko sa training.”
“Minsan po kasi sa training naiiyak rin po ako pero ginagawa ko po ‘yun na motivation para makuha ‘yung gintong medalya sa Palarong Pambansa,” she went on to say.
President’s Visit
On the other hand, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. returned to his hometown and attended the opening ceremony at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium.
Marcos Jr. praised the student-athletes for their tenacity and passion to sports, calling them as an inspiration and role model for Filipino kids.
“Hindi madali ang inyong pinagdaanan. Mag-aaral sa umaga, tapos ensayo sa hapon. Minsan kulang pa sa gamit o sa panggastos. Ngunit, wala sa inyo ang sumuko,” he said in his speech.
Meanwhile, the president reminded the new generation of players that discipline and sportsmanship are more important than anything. Citing that sports are more than just highs and lows, victories and losses.
“Pero higit sa pagkapanalo, mas mahalagang matutunan ninyo ang disiplina, ang halaga ng pakikipagkaibigan, at ang mag-enjoy naman sa inyong favorite sport—manalo man o matalo,” he stated.
“Tandaan ninyo: Ang taong lumalaban, hindi natatalo. Losers are those who fail to try. Winners are those who try, and maybe they fail, but then try again and do not stop trying until they win and succeed,” he added.
The sporting event, themed “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan,” will take place from May 25 to 30, including 18 provinces around the country. Meanwhile, the closing ceremony will be held on May 31.
