PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Edward S. Hagedorn Coliseum came alive on Sunday as the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games this year officially opened.

The event gathered 720 athletes, coaches, and officials from across the region, showcasing sportsmanship and unity through competition in eight sports disciplines.

Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron welcomed the delegates, highlighting the event’s significance beyond athletics.

“This is not only a celebration of talent and sportsmanship but also a reminder of the unity and friendship that bind our nations together,” Bayron said. He added that the games serve as a driving force to advance the shared goals of BIMP-EAGA, including sustainable development, improved connectivity, and enhanced regional cooperation.

“May this Friendship Games remind us of the power of sports to transcend borders, unite communities and inspire generations. Together, we can make this event a celebration of friendship, collaboration and shared aspirations,” Bayron remarked during his opening address.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the unifying role of sports in fostering solidarity among nations.

“Let me congratulate everyone for their commitment and dedication in making this event possible, ensuring that all the delegates will experience the best quality of sporting atmosphere to emphasize our regional solidarity,” Bachmann said.

He encouraged the participants to celebrate their individual successes and take lessons from the competition to positively impact their communities.

“Let the lessons from these games inspire you to make a positive impact in your communities,” he said. “Let us celebrate our rich cultural heritage and ongoing achievements as we continue to empower individuals collectively, working together towards achieving sustained growth for our region.”

The event began with a welcome dinner on Saturday, 30 November where Mayor Bayron underscored Puerto Princesa’s strategic role as a gateway for trade and tourism within the BIMP-EAGA region. He also showcased the city’s rich natural and cultural heritage, including the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The games, which were revitalized after a six-year hiatus, also marked the 30th anniversary of the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) initiative.

Dr. Susan Pudin, head of the BIMP-EAGA Facilitation Center, called the event a celebration of three decades of collaboration and shared aspirations.

“This event embodies the spirit of unity amongst diverse communities across Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and beyond,” she said.

The games will feature 192 events across eight sports disciplines: archery, athletics, badminton, Esports, karatedo, pencak silat, sepak yakraw, and swimming, with 644 medals up for grabs.

The Philippines fields the largest delegation with 356 athletes, followed by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.