MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured Filipino student-athletes that the government will always be behind them in reaching their aspirations in life.
In a speech during the start of the 65th Palarong Pambansa at Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Saturday night, the Chief Executive urged the participants of the week-long competition to give their best.
“Magandang halimbawa kayo sa kabataang Pilipino na may pangarap sa buhay at determinasyon upang matupad ito. Kami naman sa pamahalaan, hangga’t sa maabot ng aming makakaya, ginagawa po namin ang lahat para matulungan kayong maging mahusay na manlalaro,” Marcos said.
“Ang gobyerno ay laging nasa likod ninyo. Tutulungan namin kayong maabot ang inyong pangarap dahil ang panalo ninyo, panalo na rin namin,” the President added.
The President further said that, win or lose, the student-atheletes are already considered champions because of their impressive sports skills and dedication to win the competition.
“Higit sa pagkapanalo, mas mahalagang matutunan ninyo ang disiplina, ang halaga ng pakikipagkaibigan at mag-enjoy naman sa inyong favorite sport, manalo man o matalo. Tandaan ninyo, ang taong lumalaban ay hindi natatalo,” he said.
“Losers are those who fail to try. Winners are those who try and maybe they failed, but then they try again and do not stop trying until they win and succeed,” President Marcos added.
“Ngayong araw dito sa Palarong Pambansa, kayo naman ang kasali. Sa susunod kayo na ang kinatawan ng Pilipinas sa Asian Games at saka sa Olympics, kaya paghusayan ninyo,” he further said
This year’s Palaro features 24 regular sports, including athletics, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, taekwondo and swimming. Weightlifting will be introduced as a demonstration sport, while kickboxing, girls’ football and girls’ futsal will be held as exhibition events.
Around 15,000 delegates from 20 athletic associations, including the country’s 18 regions, the National Academy of Sports and Philippine Overseas Schools, will participate from May 25 to 30./PN
