Vice President and outgoing Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte assured athletes participating in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa that they will not leave the competition empty-handed.
In a press statement released Tuesday, Duterte recognized the national sporting event, traditionally organized by the DepEd, as an avenue to provide competitive preparedness for student-athletes.
“We recognize the yearly Palarong Pambansa as a tradition of the Department of Education that has its deep and impactful role in honing our students, as well as to prepare them for the greater battles ahead in life,” Duterte said.
“The Palarong Pambansa 2024 proves the commitment and dedication of DepEd towards its students,” she added, acknowledging the sectors that helped organize the annual competition.
The Vice President assured players that they won’t go feeling defeated, as they compete in their respective sporting events. “Your participation in our competitions is already a win [for] each one of you,” she said.
Duterte also thanked the entire stakeholder community of the Palarong Pambansa – the teachers, coaches, staff, and parents – as well as the local government of Cebu, this year’s host city.
“May you take home with you the lessons of friendship, discipline, fortitude, and strength in achieving your dreams,” she concluded her statement.
The Palarong Pambansa 2024 will run from July 9 to 16, with its opening ceremony held on Tuesday afternoon. –With Rolando Ng III
