Palarong Pambansa 2024 opens with greater online reach
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared the 2024 Palarong Pambansa officially open on July 9 in Cebu City, highlighting the event’s role in scouting and nurturing future athletic talents while announcing the integration of technology and social media platforms for the first time.
“This will not only connect the games to the families and fans around the world but also provide valuable data that we can use to improve performance in future competitions,” Marcos said in his opening ceremony speech.
Palaro 2024 features athletes from elementary and secondary schools across 17 regions, along with the National Academy of Sports and Philippine Schools Overseas.
It serves as a platform to identify and develop future athletic talents, according to Marcos.
“Today, we continue this important legacy, celebrating not just the games but also celebrating the unity, the camaraderie and the national pride that these games inspire,” he added.
This year’s edition holds special significance as it marks several firsts. Notably, athletes from the National Academy of Sports and Philippine Overseas Schools are participating for the first time.
Additionally, Dancesport will become a regular feature, a fitting tribute to Cebu’s vibrant dance scene, according to the President.
Soft Tennis, Karatedo, Football for Girls (Secondary level), and E-sports are also making their debut as exhibition sports.
The integration of technology goes beyond social media. Organizers are utilizing web platforms to share game statistics and enable live streaming, Marcos noted.
This will allow Filipinos worldwide to follow the games and provide valuable data for future development.
Vice President Sara Duterte, who also serves as the Secretary of the Department of Education, emphasized the event’s significance.
“The Palarong Pambansa 2024 affirms the commitment and dedication of the DepEd to our students. Your participation in our competitions is already a victory for each one of you,” she said in a statement.
The week-long competition, running from July 6 to 17, is more than just athletic competition, Marcos emphasized.
“The values and virtues that will be displayed and put into practice during the sporting event, such as excellence, teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship, are the same ideals needed to succeed in life and build a great nation,” Marcos concluded.
