ILOILO – The Western Visayas delegation departed for Ilocos Norte on Saturday, May 17, to compete in this year’s Palarong Pambansa, the country’s premier annual multi-sport event for student-athletes.
Palarong Pambansa, established in 1948, brings together young athletes from the Philippines’ 17 regions to promote athletic excellence and cultural exchange. The event is supervised by the Department of Education (DepEd).
In a radio interview, Hernani Escullar Jr., information officer of DepEd Region 6, shared that the region’s delegation is composed of over 900 members, including 605 athletes, 87 coaches, 24 assistant coaches, 40 chaperones, and 209 technical working group members.
Escullar expressed optimism about the region’s prospects.
“There is hope that Region 6 will excel in this year’s Palaro, especially after finishing third last year,” he said.
He also noted that this year’s Palarong Pambansa marks another partnership between Western Visayas and Negros Occidental in building a strong regional contingent.
DepEd-6 is currently under the joint supervision of Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Christito Eco, CESO III, and Dr. Ramir Uytico, CESO III, the DepEd regional director for the newly created Negros Island Region.
Escullar pointed out that Eco, who previously served as assistant regional director in the National Capital Region (NCR), brings valuable experience that could benefit Region 6 athletes.
Ilocos Norte serves as the host of Palarong Pambansa 2025, with the National Capital Region defending its title as last year’s overall champion.
In support of its athletes, the Iloilo Provincial Government, led by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., has allocated P12.3 million in financial assistance to the province’s delegation./PN
