President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially opened the 65th Palarong Pambansa on Saturday, 24 May, at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium in Ilocos Norte, honoring the grit, passion, and promise of the country’s young athletes.

Before thousands of student-athletes, coaches, and families from 17 regions, the National Academy of Sports, and Philippine Schools Overseas, Marcos welcomed the delegates to his home province, which is hosting the national games for the second time in nearly six decades.

“Welcome po sa inyong lahat sa aming pinagmamalaking probinsya na Ilocos Norte,” the President began. “Masaya akong makasama kayo ngayon sa Palarong Pambansa.”

(Welcome to our beloved province of Ilocos Norte. I’m happy to be with you all today at the Palarong Pambansa.)

He acknowledged the months of grueling preparation endured by the athletes.

“Hindi madali ang pinagdaanan ninyo,” Marcos said. “Yung oras na ipapahinga ninyo na lang dapat, ginamit ninyo pa sa practice at training. Mag-aaral sa umaga, ensayo sa hapon — minsan kulang pa sa gamit o sa panggastos. Ngunit wala sa inyo ang sumuko.”

(What you’ve been through wasn’t easy. The time you could’ve used for rest, you spent on practice and training. Studying in the morning, training in the afternoon — sometimes with limited equipment or money. Yet none of you gave up.)

Marcos emphasized that success is not measured solely by medals.

“Lahat kayo ay kinikilala na bilang kampiyon,” he said. “Kayo ang pinakamagaling sa inyong paaralan. Kayo ang pinakamagaling sa inyong probinsya. Kayo ang pinakamagaling sa inyong rehiyon.”

(Each of you is already a champion. You’re the best in your school. You’re the best in your province. You’re the best in your region.)

He encouraged the athletes to dream toward competing on the world stage.

“Ngayong araw dito sa Palarong Pambansa, kayo ang kasali,” he said. “Sa susunod, kayo na ang kinatawan ng Pilipinas sa Asian Games at Olympics. Kaya paghusayan ninyo — puwede kayo. Malay natin, dito sa mga kasama natin ngayon, may susunod na Olympic medalist na.”

(Today, you’re part of the Palarong Pambansa. In the future, you could be representing the Philippines in the Asian Games and the Olympics. So do your best — you have what it takes. Who knows, one of our future Olympic medalists may be among you today.)

The President also paid tribute to the silent champions behind every athlete: their parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, and coaches who have given so much of themselves to help these children chase their dreams.

“Binibigyang-pugay ko rin ang inyong mga magulang, mga lolo, mga lola, ninong, ninang, tiyuhin, tiyahin — at lahat ng gumabay sa inyo. Nag-ambag sila ng oras, pera, at panalangin upang suportahan ang inyong pangarap.”

(I honor your parents, grandparents, godparents, uncles, aunts—and everyone who has guided you. They’ve given their time, money, and prayers to support your dreams.)

He assured the student-athletes that they are not alone. The government, he said, is fully behind them — improving sports facilities, expanding training programs, and supporting athletic development across the nation.