Legazpi ready for influx of PRISAA delegates

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY --- Legazpi City will welcome more than 10,000 athletes and officials nationwide when the weeklong Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games begin on Sunday (July 21) with an opening ceremony at the Bicol University grounds.

Fire Officer 3 Madonna Rempillo, the chief of the Bureau of Fire Protection for Legazpi and Legazpi City Incident Management Team commander, said that response and emergency teams are prepared for deployment to the 21 billeting schools and 31 gaming and activity areas.

The gaming venues will include public and private schools, parks, malls, and government facilities.

The objective of the IMT is to ensure the safety and security of the delegates, the public, and deployed responders. We will deploy assistance and emergency teams for immediate response to the needs of our participants,” she said.

The opening ceremony will commence on July 21 at 1 p.m. with a Eucharistic mass at the Albay Cathedral. Road closures will start at 2 p.m. for the grand parade at 3 p.m. from Peñaranda Park to Bicol University grounds.

PRISAA National President Edgar Balasta calls on Filipinos across the regions to support and cheer for their PRISAA athletes alongside the country’s delegates to the Olympics in Paris, France.

“Through social media, Pinoy sports fans can witness the PRISAA and the Paris Olympics in real-time while at their homes or anywhere else. Previous generations only had television and radio then but now anyone can cheer and actively engage through socmed. Feedback is instant,” Balasta said.

According to the official PRISAA Facebook page, SMART Communications has pledged to provide the Smart Infocast System for the automated distribution of PRISAA schedules, announcements, and game results.

The system will also be utilized for the SMART Texter’s Choice Award in Mutya ng PRISAA. SMART, in partnership with PLDT, will also assist in providing internet access at various venues for live streaming of sports events and activities.

Pita Pacres, tourism officer of Legazpi City, said the event is anticipated to not only boost the local tourism and economy of the city but also increase tourist arrivals in Albay.

“It’s a big boost to the tourism sector with more than 10,000 athletes and probably with their families coming here in Legazpi City. Our accommodation establishments are full. They will definitely go around the city and even neighboring municipalities and cities,” Pacres said.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann and Senate Committee on Sports Chair Sen. Bong Go are expected to grace the opening ceremony. (PIA5/Albay)

Personnel from the Philippine National Police and Department of Education assist the delegates from Cebu and Bohol billeted at the Daraga North Central School. (Photo from Daraga North Central School)