Palarong Pambansa 2009 in Leyte
ROXAS CITY – As the weeklong national sports event ends in Tacloban City, Leyte in May 3, 2009, the Palaro has spurred greater cooperation among the participating schools representing their regions nationwide, not just in athletics but also in other endeavors. It is more than just a sports event, it also forges stronger friendly ties among members of the DepEd family, while the athletes compete, relations are also built and strengthened showing the whole nation the quality of our sports and the value of fellowship.
The 2009 Palarong Pambansa kicked off last Monday, April 27 but the formal opening ceremony commenced last Tuesday with President Arroyo gracing the event. Also present during the grand ceremony were Vice President Noli de Castro, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, Palawan Mayor Edward Hagedorn, TESDA Director General Boboy Syjuco and some congressmen from the region.
Eighteen sports events were competed during the weeklong competition in both Elementary and Secondary levels: Archery, Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Chess, Football, Gymnastics, Lawn Tennis, Sepak Takraw, Sipa, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo and Volleyball; while nighthly socio-cultural activities were also featured including the Search for Mr. & Ms. Palarong Pambansa 2009.
The province of Leyte hosted this year’s Palarong Pambansa with the Department of Education Region VIII and the Divisions of Leyte and Tacloban City from April 27-May 3, 2009 with most of the games played in Leyte Sports Development Center, Tacloban City.