Marcos opens Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos opened the 2025 Palarong Pambansa on Saturday in Ilocos Norte, welcoming 15,760 delegates to the schools sports event.

Marcos praised the hard work, discipline and perseverance of student athletes who are able to balance their academic schedules with sports training.

“What you have gone through is not easy. The time that you should have spent resting is used for practice and training. You study in the morning and train in the afternoon. Sometimes, you do not have enough money for allowance and to buy your sporting needs. But none of you gave up,” Marcos said in his opening statement.

He assured the delegates of the government’s commitment to develop grassroots sports and help youths reach their full potential.

“We will help you achieve your dreams. Your win is also our win,” Marcos said.

Marcos inspired the student-athletes, saying they could use the Palarong Pambansa as a stepping stone to represent the country in international sports competitions such as the Asian Games and the Olympics.

“Maybe one of you will emerge as another Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, EJ Obiena or Alex Eala,” he said.

The Department of Education said 15,760 delegates are attending this year’s event. The delegates are made up of 9,719 athletes and para-athletes, 2,273 team officials, 2,564 delegation officials and 1,204 technical officials and members of the National Technical Working Group.

The biggest delegation came from Western Visayas with 1,005 delegates, while the smallest group, with 14 delegates, represented the Philippine Schools Overseas. The National Academy of Sports sent 130 delegates.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Palarong Pambansa board chairman, said there is a need to improve sports facilities, especially in overcrowded schools.

“The challenge for us is some schools are overcrowded and do not have the facilities for sports. We want to link up with clubs to strengthen the sports in those schools,” Angara said.

The Palarong Pambansa opened on May 24 and is scheduled to close on May 31.