AMID PALARONG BICOL DEBACLE Sorsogon City division seeks public support

SORSOGON CITY --- Empathy not humiliation is what Sorsogon City athletes need following their dismal performance in the recently concluded Palarong Bicol 2019 held in Masbate City February 24 to March 2, 2019.

In a statement issued March 4, 2019, the schools division of Sorsogon City said the failure to rise in the regional meet would serve as a reminder that there is much to be done to improve in future competitions. Sorsogon City division landed at 13th place after it failed to obtain even a single gold medal and only got four silvers and 12 bronzes which earned them ridicule from local netizens.

It was the worst performance of the city division for the past 18 years in the Palaro since it landed at 12th place in 2015 with one gold, six silvers and seven bronzes.

The statement recalled the division’s performance in the past three years where it placed 11th in 2016, 10th in 2017 and 9th place last year.

Division Superintendent Nympha Guemo said they took this year’s result as normal part of competitions where losing is as common as winning, and quoted basketball legend Michael Jordan who attributed his success to the failures and setbacks he encountered in life.

“Indeed, Sorsogon City is taking this setback as feedback and feedback is the breakfast of champions!” she added.

Despite the miserable performance, officials said they were still in high spirits with the hope that Sorsogon City athletes would redeem themselves in future regional competitions.

They thank the parents, the local government unit and “the friends of education” for understanding the predicament and for showing unending support despite the failure.

Division officials urged their critics to show support instead of mocking them, adding that it’s one way of encouraging the athletes to perform better in the future.

This year’s Palaro was again dominated by perennial top performers Camarines Sur which garnered 105 gold medals, 78 silvers and 82 bronzes. At second place was Naga City with 69-49-61; Albay was third with 46-52-75, Masbate Province at fourth place with 41-33-41; Camarines Norte at fifth with 30-54-54; Ligao City at sixth place with 30-12-35; Legazpi City with 27-38-49 at seventh place.

Sorsogon Province division was at 8th place with 11 gold, 16 silver and 20 bronze medals followed by Tabaco City with 6-15-17; Iriga City with 6-15-17; Catanduanes with 1-8-12 and Masbate City and 12th place with one gold, five silver and 10 bronze medals.

Meanwhile, Sorsogon Province is expected to bid for the Palarong Bicol hosting in 2021 and the Palarong Pambansa in 2022.