Balance sports, studies

Like a teacher who just entered a classroom, President Duterte ordered everyone to “sit down, all of you” the moment he started speaking at the opening of the 2018 Palarong Pambansa at Quirino Stadium in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

He then proceeded to make a six-minute speech which mainly gave pointers to some 15,000 student-athletes who gathered for the annual sporting event’s opening day that was also witnessed by four-time world bowling champion Paeng Nepomuceno, billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes and former Asian track superstars Lydia de Vega and Elma Muros-Posadas.

Without any colorful words that usually mark his talks, the President declared the Games open. But not before telling the elementary and high school students from 17 regions across the country to use their talents in sports to become “future leaders and nation builders.”

“Do you best to excel in your studies, too, and strike a balance in academics and other interests,” said Mr. Duterte as he advised participants to develop “multitasking, time management and decision-making, skills that you will need as you take on greater responsibilities in the future.”

Wearing a black polo shirt with the print “DU30” on the chest area, Mr. Duterte also told parents to support their children, “realize their potential and support them as they explore the limitless potential of growth and development.”

But the President didn’t forget to touch on his war against drugs, saying, “sports serves as an avenue to divert youth from illegal drugs, criminality and lawlessness.”

Prior to Mr. Duterte’s speech, Youth Olympic Games gold medalist in archery Gab Moreno ran around the oval and fired an arrow that lit up the Games’ cauldron. —WITH A REPORT FROM LEONCIO BALBIN JR.