Naga to host Palarong Bicol 2018

By Armie B. Gunay NAGA CITY --- Naga City will once again host this year’s edition of Palarong Bicol, after holding the same event two years ago, in 2016. Mayor John Bongat already confirmed the good news and without delay directed all concerned offices, including the General Services Department and the City Engineer’s Office, to ensure the success of the region’s biggest amateur sports competition that will set to kick off on February 3, 2018. Mayor Bongat expressed optimism that the Naga City contingent will again be hailed as over-all champion, which it coveted also in 2016, or two years ago. Last year, 2017, Naga City landed second to Camarines Sur, with only one gold medal difference between them. Incidentally, Naga City will also be hosting for this year the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA)- Bicol on February 22 and the Batang Pinoy- Luzon Leg in June, also this year. Thus, the city is now busy preparing for the staging of the three major sports events, especially with the billeting centers wherein the classrooms of 15 public schools in the city will be utilized to accommodate players and delegates from the competing contingents. In related development, young football players of Julian Meliton Elementary School here paid a courtesy call on Mayor Bongat after winning as First Runner- Up in the Under- 10 category in the Winter Cup 2018 conducted recently in Baguio City. The school also won special individual awards including Best Midfielder and Best Defender. Teacher-coach Janet Betua is very thankful with the support being extended by the city government that enable them to participate in various sports tournaments.