The stage is set: Ilocos Norte rolls out 65th Palarong Pambansa

National Capital Region aims to continue its dynastic rule, but host Region 1 has vowed to protect its home turf as explosive action in the 65th Palarong Pambansa erupts today at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium in Laoag City in Ilocos Norte.

Laoag City Mayor Michael Keon expects the Ilocos Region to give the Big City bets eyeing an 18th straight overall championship a run for their money.

“It’s good because it’s being held here in our own province. I mean, we should have the hometown advantage,” Keon said.

The architect of the Gintong Alay program that produced world-class athletes like the late sprint queen Lydia de Vega-Mercado, Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Elma Muros, middle-distance runner Isidro del Prado and Olympic bronze medalist Leopoldo Serrantes expressed confidence that the Ilocanos will climb on top of the overall podium after finishing 15th last year.

“I follow the training of all of the various teams. I listen to all of their problems. I have meetings with all of the coaches to ensure that all our athletes’ needs are met,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) is pulling out all the stops to ensure everything is all set for Palaro, especially in the main hub.

Palarong Pambansa OIC-undersecretary for operations and secretary general Malcom Garma said in a press conference that thorough inspections were made from the student-athletes’ quarters to the playing venues.

“Secretary (Sonny Angara) is really hands-on because every time we would conduct meetings, he would ask about every detail. In fact, we even have weekly updates about where we are in terms of preparation,” Garma said.

“I went around the athletes’ billeting quarters and all of them are validating and affirming that they are getting what they deserve,” he added.

Faivo Bartolome, the sports consultant of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, assured that the track oval is up to standards to prevent a repeat of the issues that hounded Cebu’s hosting.

Palaro records were not recorded in Cebu City after the 400-meter track oval failed to meet the standard set by World Athletics.

Bartolome even quashed rumors about the swimming pool not meeting the standard measure.

“The pool has been measured by no other than our technical director, Mr. Richard Luna. Mr. Richard Luna is the top technical official of Filipino Aqua Incorporated,” Bartolome said.

Security is also on full alert with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, a proud son of Ilocos Norte and the guest of honor, expected to grace the opening ceremonies at 6:30 p.m.

Garma said the Presidential Management Services (PMS) and Presidential Security Group (PSG) arrived a few days early to ensure the safety of the President, the student-athletes, officials and spectators.

“In fact, the PMS and the PSG group have already been here since yesterday in preparation also for the coming of the President,” Garma said.