LAOAG CITY — Ilocos Norte is set to make history with a grand opening ceremony for the 65th Palarong Pambansa on Saturday, 24 May 2025, at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium (FEMMS), featuring President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz.

This year’s theme, “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan,” underscores a celebration of unity, youth excellence, and Filipino resilience. President Marcos is expected to formally open the games through a keynote address highlighting the vital role of sports in nation-building and fostering national pride among the youth.

Diaz, the country’s first Olympic gold medalist, will lead the Oath of Coaches and Technical Officials and serve as Technical Director of the weightlifting demonstration event — marking a new chapter in her storied athletic journey.

The 2025 Palarong Pambansa brings together 15,675 delegates and officials from 17 regions, the National Academy of Sports (NAS), Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO), and the National Technical Working Group.

The festivities will kick off at 5:00 PM with the “Parada ng mga Atleta,” a parade along Rizal Street and Sirib Mile in Laoag City, showcasing all regional delegations led by drum and lyre corps, cheer squads, and cultural performers.

The main program, “Palakasan: Tales of Filipino Strength,” will feature large-scale cultural performances honoring Northern Luzon’s rich heritage, including dramatizations of Biag ni Lam-ang, the Basi Revolt, and the legacy of Ilocano Olympic swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso.

Batang Baseball standout Gerick Jhon Flores, a record-holder in the 11th BFA U12 Asian Baseball Championship, will deliver the Athlete’s Oath on behalf of thousands of student-athletes nationwide.

The symbolic lighting of the Palarong Pambansa lightbeam will be led by decorated Filipino athletes from previous Palaro editions, the SEA Games, and the Paralympics — including Jemmuelle James Espiritu (Archery), Mark Anthony Domingo (Athletics), Jesson Cid (Decathlon), Roger Tapia (Para-athletics), and Eric Ang (Trap Shooting).

Singer Angeline Quinto will perform “Ako ay Pilipino” and “Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas” to close the ceremony with patriotic flair.

Palarong Pambansa 2025 is hosted by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, through Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, in partnership with the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte. The games will run until 31 May.