by Alexis Lagua

LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS NORTE – Top DepEd officials from across the country and stakeholders convened at Sola Hotel on May 1 to 3 for a Final Technical Conference to finalize preparations for the Palarong Pambansa 2025.

The meeting aimed to iron out operational concerns and ensure a smooth, coordinated hosting of the national sports event.

Present during the conference were members of the Palarong Pambansa 2025 Board and Secretariat, Regional and Assistant Regional Directors of the Department of Education, Tournament Directors, National Technical Working Groups, and key personnel from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), Schools Division of Ilocos Norte (SDOIN), Philippine National Police, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In his opening remarks, Undersecretary for Senior Personnel and Head of the Procuring Entity, Atty. Peter Irving Corvera, urged SDOIN to anticipate and manage all operational requirements before, during, and after the event. With the concerns on insufficient bedrolls and mattresses for all delegates, he announced that the DepEd Central Office has allocated P7.3 million for the procurement of these essential materials. He also stressed that all participants must have contingency plans, concluding his message, “Let’s make this year’s Palarong Pambansa one for the books.”

Malcolm S. Garma, Assistant Secretary and Palarong Pambansa Secretary General, called on the participants to utilize the conference to resolve current issues and enhance their coordination. He highlighted the need to identify and solve implementation gaps in order to achieve a smooth execution of the event.

The initial day of the conference tackled discussions on critical preparations to be done for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa. SDS Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr., updated the participants on their preparations and roles, and assured the full support of the teaching and non-teaching personnel under their jurisdiction during the entire national activity. Dr. Ma. Corazon Dumlao, Chief Program Health Officer, provided a thorough set of health and safety guidelines to be executed before, during, and after the games, also particularly in billeting schools. Likewise, Ma-ann Escobido of the Learners’ Rights and Protection Office talked about the role of the Disciplinary Committee and the need to ensure proper behavior and resolve participant issues during the event.

Logistics and support mechanisms were also brought out during the sessions. Miss Elma Gabriel of the MSME Office presented a Provincial Government-initiated online ordering system for delegations to facilitate their access of basic commodities. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Taccad of the Ilocos Norte Police outlined an elaborate security plan for deployment in schools, playing venues, and major programs.

Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Rickson Balalio, outlined the emergency medical services plan, including transport logistics, referral systems, and deployment of medical personnel to last during the event.

Capping off the day was a simulation exercise during emergencies that might happen during the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa, held at the Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Memorial Stadium (FEMMS) spearheaded by Mr. Marcell Tabije, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO).