Albay starts torch relay for Palarong Pambansa

LEGAZPI CITY—The provincial government of Albay on Friday started a three-day torch relay leading to the opening on Sunday of this year’s edition of the Palarong Pambansa, which the province is hosting.

The runners, led by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, started the run in Barangay (village) Agos in Polangui town. At least 250 personnel of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Navy, Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard and other officials of the provincial government.

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Friday’s relay, which started at 5:30 a.m., was expected to be finished at 1:30 p.m., with runners passing through the city and town halls of Polangui, Oas, Ligao City, Guinobatan, Camalig and Daraga end at the Peñaranda Park in this city.

Urns in these government halls were lit by the torch carried by runners.

Yves Eli Yu, one of the organizers of the event and a member of Junior Chamber International, said the torch symbolizes the values of the national games—sportsmanship and determination.

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“The journey of the torch aims to share Albay’s vision – ‘Shared Values, Shared Goals, Shared Impact,’” he said.

Yu said the torch, made of stainless steel and brass and weighs 850 grams, was inspired by the shape of a sili (chili pepper).

“The art engraved on the torch is inspired by… how Albay transformed itself from a disaster area to becoming a prime tourism destination in the country and [now, a host province of the] Palaro,” he said.

Salceda, in his speech in the lighting ceremony of the urn in Ligao City said, the torch symbolizes the unity of Albayanos who are helping each other to stage the national games.

At least 150 runners from different clubs in the country will join the second day of the relay on Saturday.

Yu said they will be part of the Mayon 360, a 80-km run around the foot of the Mayon Volcano.

The 150 runners will join 450 official participants of the Mayon 360 from Peñaranda Park in Legazpi to the towns of Daraga, Camalig and Guinobatan, Ligao and Tabaco cities, and the towns of Malinao, Malilipot, Bacacay and Sto. Domingo. The route covers 77 villages.

“The same torch will be lighted and be carried by a runner,” Yu said.

The main lighting of cauldron on Sunday, the opening of the Palaro, at the Albay Sports Complex in Bicol University will be done by four Bicolano athletes, including Mario Maglinao, an ultramarathoner; Nathalie Agathon, a 10-year-old sprinter and gold medalist in Palarong Pambansa 2015; Francis Everesto, a person with disability and a basketball player; and actor Enchong Dee, a Philippine National Swimming Team member from Naga City.