By Arabella Balderama

The 63rd Palarong Pambansa officially opened on Sunday, July 31, 2023, at the Marikina City Sports Complex, with the theme “Batang Malakas, Bansang Matatag.”

The week-long tournament hosted by the Shoe Capital of the Philippines will last from July 29 until August 5, with all 17 regions in the country participating alongside foreign-based student-athletes.

Archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, billiards, boxing, chess, football, futsal, gymnastics, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, wrestling wushu, dancesport, pencak silat, bocce, and goal ball were some of the sports involved this year, including Indigenous Filipino Games.

Several schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) will be utilized as game venues, such as Marist School Marikina for basketball and Ateneo de Manila University for football. 

Meanwhile, a parade filled with the regions’ trademarks and known cultures commenced before the ceremony began, showcasing ensembles, dance troupes, and some government agencies, such as the Philippine Army.

Despite the irregular weather brought about by tropical cyclone Falcon, the opening day pushed through, welcoming delegates from across the country.

Subsequently, Department of Education NCR Regional Director Wilfredo Cabral delivered a welcoming speech, acknowledging the event’s contributors amidst the rainy weather.

“Hindi man tayo nilubayan ng buhos ng ulan … Hindi nalusaw ang pag-asa at ang pagkakaisa ng lahat upang maisakatuparan natin ang pagsisimula ng Palarong Pambansa 2023. Isa lamang po itong patunay na ang nagkakaisang mamamayan at mga sangay pamahalaan ay handang harapin ang hamon ng anumang pangyayaring maaaring iba sa ating mga pinagplanuhan,” Cabral said.

An oath of sportsmanship was then led by volleyball ace Alyssa Valdez, who was present along with other known athletes, namely Bea de Leon, Shaun Ildefonso, and some players from the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Basketball Team.

Moreover, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte also arrived at the venue before Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro gave his opening remarks.

“Sa kabila ng malakas at patuloy na pag-ulan nitong mga nakaraang araw, tulad sa mga pagsubok sa ating bansa, tayo ay narito pa rin na may pag-asa, may kalakasan, para sa isang maunlad at matatag na bansa,” Mayor Teodoro stated.

“Nais natin ay isang national sports program na sustainable at para sa kabataang Pilipino [kaya] ninanais ng pambansang palaro na ito ang batang malakas sa kanyang kaisipan at katawan ay para sa bansang matatag,” he added.

After which, Bea de Leon, together with Mark Barroca and the 17 region team captains, lit the cauldron which signifies friendship and sportsmanship within the Palarong Pambansa.

President Marcos then spoke words of encouragement for the delegates and local government units as the ceremony approached its conclusion.

“As you take part in your chosen sport, remember you are already champions, and now you represent your respective schools and localities. Compete with excellence, fairness, and integrity,” Marcos expressed, adding that he hopes the student-athletes enjoy and make lifetime memories to keep.

The program was concluded through a unity dance, which was immediately followed by a mini-concert that preceded the beautiful fireworks display that led the day’s culmination.

On top of these events, a “Banchetto” also took place at the Marikina Freedom Park beside the Marikina Sports Complex, wherein guests could purchase food and merchandise to spice up their visit to the city.

Marikina City was initially scheduled to hold the Palarong Pambansa in May 2020; however, the pandemic peaked, halting the sports gathering for four years.

Thumbnail from Rappler