by Angelo B. Pascual

In preparation for the official opening of the 65th Palarong Pambansa, the Department of Education (DepEd) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, DepEd Regional Office I, and Schools Division Office of Ilocos Norte convened a solidarity meeting at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, May 5.

The meeting brought together coaches, tournament managers, technical officials, secretariat members, and event coordinators from all 20 participating delegations—including the 18 regional contingents, along with the new additions: the National Academy of Sports (NAS) and the Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs). The gathering served as an essential venue for aligning competition protocols, strengthening communication lines, and ensuring the smooth and coordinated implementation of the weeklong national sports event. Schools Division of Ilocos Norte Superintendent Atty. Donato Balderas, Jr. welcomed the participants on behalf of the host division, expressing appreciation for their presence and emphasizing the province’s readiness to host the national games. He acknowledged the collective effort behind the preparations and assured officials that local organizers were committed to creating a safe and well-organized experience for all delegations.

Meanwhile, DepEd Region I Director Tolentino Aquino addressed the assembly with a message centered on collaboration and professionalism. He encouraged all officials to uphold the values of integrity and fairness in fulfilling their responsibilities, particularly in their role as guides and models for the nation’s young athletes.

Representing the Department of Education’s Central Office, Assistant Secretary Malcolm Garma, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Undersecretary for Operations and Secretary General of Palarong Pambansa 2025, provided an overview of the department’s expectations for the event. He highlighted the importance of teamwork, discipline, and service in achieving the goals of the Palarong Pambansa—not only as a sports competition but as a platform for youth development and national unity.

Technical briefings on health and safety protocols, including guidelines for handling misconduct on and off the field, were also presented during the plenary. These sessions aimed to reinforce standard procedures and safeguard the welfare of all participants throughout the duration of the games.

The meeting concluded with breakout sessions by sport, where delegation officials and technical working groups convened to finalize venue readiness, officiating assignments, and event-specific concerns. These discussions served as the final layer of preparation before the official start of the games.