Duterte set to grace Palaro opening, says PSC chief Ramirez

SAN JOSE, ANTIQUE—President Duterte will rally the athletes to reach for the stars in the 60th Palarong Pambansa set to begin Sunday in this quaint town by the bay.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Butch Ramirez confirmed Duterte’s attendance in the opening ceremonies at Binirayan Sports Complex here.

“I was informed that the President will grace the opening rites to provide inspiration to our athletes,” said Ramirez. Also joining the opening ceremonies are Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao, PSC commissioners Ramon Fernandez and Charles Maxey and PSC chief of staff Ronnel Abrenica.

Some 12,000 delegates, including 7,000 high school and grade school athletes from 18 regions, will compete in 24 sports with 925 gold medals at stake.

Swimmer Maurice Sacho Ilustre, the most bemedaled athlete last year, will try to smash the eight-gold record he achieved in Legazpi City.

Much of the spotlight will be trained on perennial overall champion National Capital Region after the Big City athletes cornered 104 golds, 57 silvers and 48 bronzes in handily defeating Southern Tagalog for the plum.