• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental is joining the bid for hosting the Palarong Pambansa 2024, disclosed Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday.
Lacson said that Negros Occidental was supposed to host the Palarong Pambansa next year. Unfortunately, it was opened up for bidding again by the Department of Education after Cebu expressed its intention to host the scholastic multi-sport competition.
The Antique provincial government also signified its intention to host Palarong Pambansa 2024 after a successful hosting in 2017.
Marikina City will host the Palarong Pambansa 2023 from July 29 to August 23.
The DepEd earlier issued a statement that it will introduce an additional tier called the “Pre-National Qualifying Meet,” in order to lessen the number of delegations, shorten the duration of the event, and lower the expenses to be incurred all without sacrificing the level of play.
Lacson recently led the inauguration of newly renovated Panaad Park and Stadium Football Field and Track Oval in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, in time for the opening of the Palarong Panlalawigan 2023, and the upcoming Panaad sa Negros Festival.
He hopes that the renovated track oval may inspire athletes in the field of athletic running events, and encourage young Negrenses to involve in sports activities.
“We’re just providing them a place, where they can really improve their skills,” Lacson said.*
