Text by: Carlo L. Hermocilla, SDO Cavite Province | Photo by Matrin V. De Lima, SDO Laguna Province
LAGUNA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) – CALABARZON started its campaign for the Pre-National Qualifying Meet as an additional tier of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa.
The qualifying competition will occur from July 3-7, 2023, in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, marking its first staging.
Region IV-A CALABARZON, Region MIMAROPA, Region V-Bicol, and the National Capital Region comprised the Cluster 2 of the said screening process in which the top 2 finishers per event based on the geographic region will eventually represent the designated group at the national level.
Aiming to improve its second-place position in the last pre-pandemic “Palaro” edition, the Southern Tagalog troop competes in the 12 major team events, with 478 delegations being the largest among all the contingents.
Laguna Governor Ramil Laurel Hernandez graced the event and delivered a compelling message about the importance of scholastic sports events to the students.
According to him, sports competition like Palarong Pambansa is a perfect avenue for young talents who can represent the country at the international contest level, whether amateur or professional.
The “Father of the Province” also emphasized that the event serves as a platform to support the education sector’s efforts to prevent the use of illegal drugs and harmful substances among students.
Likewise, the main man behind the event, CALABARZON’s DepEd Regional Director Atty. Alberto T. Escobarte, CESO II, reiterated that the Pre-National Qualifying Meet has already reignited the spirit of resilience of the student-athletes in terms of their performances, whether inside or outside the classroom.
He emphasized the importance of this trait in strengthening humility, promoting honesty, and enhancing the quality of education.
Last hosted in Davao City in 2019, this year’s Palaro will be conducted in Marikina City from July 29 to August 5 after being halted by the pandemic.
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