• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Should Negros Occidental be chosen to host the Palarong Pambansa 2024, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson vows to make it an “extraordinary experience for everyone.”
This was stressed by Gov. Lacson during his presentation of the province’s bid to host the annual sports event, at the Department of Education central office on July 14 in Pasig City.
In his speech, Lacson said that the upcoming 2024 Palarong Pambansa is more than just a resumption of the hosting, which Negros Occidental was compelled to abandon during the pandemic.
“The 2024 Palarong Pambansa is a testament to our enduring belief in the ideals of unity, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence,” he added.
“Given our strict adherence to the requirements on playing venues, billeting areas, security, peace and order, health and rescue, accessibility, the cooperation of all socio-economic-political groups, and the willingness to shoulder necessary expenses for hosting, we are bent on making the 2024 Palarong Pambansa an extraordinary experience for everyone,” Lacson further said.
The result of the bidding will be announced during the closing ceremonies of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa, in Marikina on August 5.
Negros Occidental, Antique, and Cebu City are competing to host the annual sports event.
As part of the preparations of the province for hosting the sports event, the Panaad sa Negros sports stadium has been undergoing renovations since 2019, with a budget of P150 million.
Cebu City, led by Mayor Mike Rama, and Antique province, led by Governor Rhodora Cadiao, also rendered presentations to host the Palarong Pambansa next year.
“I assured the Palarong Pambansa board that Negros is ready to host in 2024, carrying the experience we have in hosting previous events,” Lacson said.*
