The historic return of the Palarong Pambansa to Davao City in 69 years will be graced by no less than the city’s favorite son President Rodrigo Duterte.
The annual sports conclave opens in Davao this Sunday with President Duterte personally gracing the opening ceremonies for the third straight time.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez confirmed the President’s presence in the inaugurals on Wednesday during the launching of the GoPilipinasGo Movement at the PSC Mindanao Sattelite Office. The President will be joined by host city Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte in elaborate rites in the sporting competitions among elementary and high school students from 17 participating regions.
Around 20,000 delegates are expected to converge for the multi-sport event serving as the country’s widest talent search for the next generation of athletes.
Ramirez also bared that both the track and field oval and the swimming pool at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex will be ready in time for the week-long meet.
The Dabawenyo sports czar was in Davao for the past two weeks to personally oversee the completion of the remaining construction works for the facilities to be used in the Palarong Pambansa.
Not since the 1950 Games when it was yet known as Bureau of Public Schools-Interscholastic Athletics Association Games that Davao City has hosted the national sports meet.
