Occidental Mindoro was supposed to host the 2020 Palarong Pambansa, but local government officials have given way to Marikina.
Because of damage caused by Typhoon Tisoy two weeks ago, Occidental Mindoro begged off, paving the way for Marikina to serve as the new host of the annual scholastics sports meet.
This according to a memorandum released by the Department of Education (DepEd), Undersecretary Atty. Revsee Escobedo, who is Palarong Pambansa’s Secretary-General.
Damage reportedly amounting to more than P800 million was incurred by the Occidental Mindoro from Typhoon Tisoy.
Officials from the provincial government said funds for hosting the event were instead allocated to the victims of the typhoon.
This would have been the first time for the province to host a Palaro.
Escobedo tasked the Division of Marikina City to submit a list of possible sporting venues and billeting areas for the delegates.
Marikina last hosted the Palaro in its 1980 edition, which was then known as the Palarong Bagong Lipunan.
The National Capital Region will be seeking its 16th overall championship crown.
The decision to discontinue their bid to host the Palarong Pambansa came following a joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), at PDRRMC, on Dec. 18.
Local government officials said damage was incurred in the agriculture and fishery sector.
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones met with provincial officials over their decision.
In the last Palaro, Southern Tagalog had a 51-42-67 gold-silver bronze haul. Western Visayas was third (46-25-47). Socsargen and Bicol Region were in fourth and fifth.
Thirteen-year-old Alexi Cabayaran got the most medals with Xiandi Chua, in the elementary girls division with five golds, a silver and a bronze.
