Marikina City Mayor Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro and Vice President Sara Duterte signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Friday, July 21, at the Marikina Sports Center (MSC) to formalize the partnership of the city government and the Department of Education (DepEd) for the upcoming 63rd "Palarong Pambansa 2023."
Photo by Khriscielle Yalao / MANILA BULLETIN
It is Marikina City's first time to host the Palarong Pambansa, as well as the first time the games have resumed since being halted three years prior due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The Palarong Pambansa is a way of preparing student-athletes to be part of nation-building as we hone their skills and instill discipline, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among our youth," said Teodoro in a press statement.
"Ito ay hindi lamang dangal ng Marikina, ito ay karangalan ng bawat Pilipino at ng ating bansa (This is not just an honor for Marikina, but an honor for every Filipino and for our country)," he added.
Teodoro assured the public that the local government is fully prepared for the games.
They have carefully and thoroughly planned the necessary protocols and arrangements for the conduct of the games itself, the accommodations for the atheletes, the performances for the ceremonies, the activities offered during the week-long event, and the order and safety mechanisms that will be enforced.
To further organize the event, customized uniforms were also given to all event committee members for the Palaro.
The local government will also seize the opportunity to promote the rich culture of Marikina by boosting its tourism features for the delegates and visitors who are expected to flock to the city to watch the games. They will be opening the Marikina Shoe Trade Fair, and the Bancheto at the Marikina Freedom Park before the delegates' arrival.
The shoe fair will showcase the shoes and leather goods proudly made in the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines" to support the local "sapateros."
Meanwhile, the Bancheto will offer visitors a taste of Marikina street food and treats. The food stalls that will be set up were designed to reflect the heritage of the city.
The mayor said that this year's Palaro, themed "Batang Malakas, Bansang Matatag," brings great pride and honor to the people of Marikina.
"The DepEd entrusted us with such huge tasks and the city government of Marikina accepted to take on this enormous challenge and responsibility of hosting this prestigious national sporting event. Despite the limited capacity of the city, we still have the ability to host the Palaro," Teodoro said.
Photo by Khriscielle Yalao / MANILA BULLETIN
After the MOA signing, Duterte, who is also the secretary of DepEd; Teodoro and other officials conducted a technical inspection of the MSC which will be the main venue of the Palaro's ceremonies and competitions.
They were shown the facilities to be used such as the swimming pool, and the track and field oval, ensuring they are structurally sound and functional in time for the games.
The Palarong Pambansa will be held from July 29 to Aug. 5.
The opening ceremony will be conducted on July 31.