by Robert C. Toribio

“On the cusp of readiness, the dawn halts to break.”

It has often been said and heard and been a famous word of everyone in times that someone faces dire straits.

Ilocanos have never been spared with that verse that boils down their resilience and character these past days. Nearing to the commencement of the Palarong Pambansa in our province, Ilocos Norte, Ilocanos mettled with what they’ve known for- strong and resourceful.

May 25-31, 2025 are dates inked at every Ilocano’s heart. The battle of champions in the different sports events by no less than the best of the best from the 7,107 islands of the Philippines, which was set to happen in the tourist haven of the north, Ilocos Norte.

Our province, Ilocos Norte has been a perfect venue for this Palarong Pambansa 2025 inviting every participating athlete, coach, trainer and Department of Education official to witness and experience first-hand the booming tourism avenues and innovations, ranging from white-sand beaches, delectable cuisines, breathtaking mountain paths, century-old churches and economic edifices such as shopping malls.

Weeks back then, it was grueling to aspiring leaders because of the elections. Some won, some were defeated. Old exited and new ones came in. Transitions are now on the way. Sadly, there were things that were compromised and almost overlooked which affected the conduct of this archipelagic sports competition in our province.

What we believed to be alright and okay, turned out the other way around. The Municipality of Dingras has been one of the venues of the much-anticipated volleyball games of the Palaro. Event coordinators struggled to get things done. Yet, what is thought to be okay isn’t that really fine. From there, sprouted the indestructible Ilocano spirit of resilience and being resource-driven. Teachers who are members of the technical working group in volleyball and LGU workers of Dingras especially from the Engineering office and the Office of the Local Chief Executive defied time and hunger and let the wind of vigor rush in.

One, two, three. Days are counting, but, the desire of showing the best of what an Ilocano can do and offer to the aspiring Filipino sports superstars and their trainers and coaches flows with the fever of the season and the warmth of the genuine Ilocano hospitality.

At last, the venue does not just settle for ‘this will do,’ but something to kindle the first flame of possibility, setting dreams into motion of no less than the volleyball players themselves. That is because the people behind never settled for less, they pushed and forced ends to meet. Truly, nothing beats an IIocano in terms of fortitude and resourcefulness.