Duterte, Diaz highlight opening ceremonies

CEBU CITY—After receiving handshakes from President Duterte and swearing the oath of sportsmanship with Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, participants are all set for the start of the Philippine National Games (PNG), which held its opening ceremonies on Saturday at Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) here.

Action officially gets going on Sunday in various venues around Cebu.

Diaz led the oath before the opening affair went on a long break as the program awaited the arrival of President Duterte, who delivered the keynote speech of the event.

The President arrived late for the opening ceremonies as he was at Alegria town southwest of Cebu City to lead the ceremonial commencement of the oil and gas production in the mountain barangay of Montpeller.

When he arrived, he shook hands with athletes who had waited for him amid chants of his name.

The opening ceremonies kicked off at 3 p.m. with a parade of athletes that started at the CAP building along Osmeña Boulevard and snaked its way to CCSC.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña delivered the welcome remarks. Also present were PSC Chair William “Butch” Ramirez and PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, the PNG overall chair.

CCSC will host athletics, track and field and swimming events. In Danao City, North Cebu, archery will fire off at Danao City track oval while mountain bike will be at Manlayag Patag, a mountain barangay in the city.

In Cebu City, beach volleyball will be at Fort San Pedro sand court while indoor volleyball will be played at University of San Carlos main gymnasium.

In Naga, South Cebu, sepak takraw and tennis will be held at Enan Chiong sports complex.