Palaro host eyeing top three finish

Host Davao Del Norte is aiming to scale new heights by finishing in the top three of  the 2015 Palarong Pambansa set May 3 until May 9 at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex (DDNSTC) in Tagum City.

“We finished 11th two years ago and seventh last year in Laguna. We’re looking to finish in the top three this time around,” said Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario during the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum Tuesday at Shakey’s Malate.

It’s going to be a tough task, though, as Davao will have to contend with perennial champion National Capital Region and other powerhouse regions like Calabarzon, Western Visayas, Central Luzon and Central Visayas.

Del Rosario said the organizing committee of the Games for elementary and high school student-athletes from the 17 regions in the country will spend P60 million to host the Palaro, whose pre-games preparation earlier drew praise from the Department of Education.

Del Rosario also announced that a bill creating the Davao del Norte Sports Academy based at DDNSTC is already with the Senate for final approval.

“If we are ready to host the Palaro, we would also like to be ready to make the province a breeding ground of future national and world champions,” said Del Rosario, who was accompanied by Palaro organizing committee secretariat chair Sofonias Gabonada Jr. and DepEd assistant secretary Tony Umali. With a report from Marc Reyes