PSC inspecting venues

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is touring the country to inspect whether the venues that will be used in local competitions are up to standard.

PSC executive director Paulo Tatad said they are making sure the venues that will be used for this year’s Batang Pinoy and the Philippine National Games (PNG) are playable.

“So let’s say for the Philippine National Games and even Batang Pinoy, we’re currently talking to various local government units right now who have offered to bid for the said games,” Tatad said.

“We do have PSC officials right now going around, doing the ocular, inspecting all the possible venues, and then we’ll probably decide within the month or in the next couple of weeks where PNG and Batang Pinoy will be held.”

Last year’s Batang Pinoy was held in Puerto Princesa while the PNG was last held in Manila in 2023.

Tatad also said they are lending a hand for preparations for the Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City on 24 May.

“We’re helping the best way that we can for Palarong Pambansa in May. We still have ongoing discussions,” Tatad said.

“So the preparations are still ongoing but I think (Ilocos Norte) governor Matthew Manotoc’s team is pretty much ready for May.”

Last year’s Palaro in Cebu City was caught in controversy after discovering that the 400-meter track oval at the Cebu City Sports Center was not up to standard, but Tatad is confident that won’t happen this year.

“I think we can avoid it because the construction of the Marcos Stadium has been consulted with the proper certifications and authorities with regards to ensuring that the track and the other sporting facilities will be up to par, up to standard,” Tatad said.