Bicol’s first gold in ‘Palaro 2023’

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- An athlete from Masbate has triumphantly earned her first gold medal for the Bicol Region in the 2023 Palarong Pambansa.

In a statement released by the Department of Education in Bicol said that Bianca G. Gebilagiun, an athlete from Masbate, got her first gold for her outstanding performance in Javelin throw (secondary girls).

Gilbert Sadsad, DepEd Bicol regional director said that the Bicol Region delegation is showing its expertise in the 2023 Palarong Pambansa in Marikina despite of the persistent rains. Bianca is one of the region’s 580 delegates.

The athletes engage in their regular practice and conditioning sessions to ensure they are well-prepared for their scheduled games.

The education department in Bicol said that around 600 athletes and coaches are being accommodated at Marikina High School for the duration of the said event.

“To ensure the safety and security of all participants, the security and safety committees, along with other working committees, have been fully activated,” the department said.

The 2023 Palarong Pambansa has officially started in Marikina, as athletes and coaches from the 17 competing regions were warmly welcomed by the host region at the Marikina Sports Complex yesterday, July 31, 2023.

The opening salvo of the Palarong Pambansa was highlighted the parade of delegations, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the 17 participating regions.

The Bicol Region took the spotlight with a presentation of the pastores, a festival traditionally conducted in the Bicol region that added a colorful touch of cultural heritage in the Palarong Pambansa.

Athletes and coaches were united in the traditional saludo, an inspiring gesture of camaraderie and respect.

The opening ceremony was graced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Vice-President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte, and Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, along with officials from the Department of Education and local government officials.

President Marcos underscored the importance of sports in student’s development, urging local government units to actively encourage school participation in sports competitions.

“I urge our local government units to promote school participation in sports competitions. Let us inspire our students to engage in physical activities so they may learn the value of discipline and resilience in achieving their goals,” the President said.

Teodoro, as mayor of the host city, emphasized the significance of the Palaro in uniting students and fostering national pride. “Ito’y pagkakataon para sa ating mga atleta upang magkaisa. Isang bansa, isang laro para sa pambansang Palaro,” he said.

After the colorful opening ceremony yesterday, the athletes are now preparing for the intense competitions, in various playing venues of the cities of Marikina and Pasig.