MANILA, Philippines — After 17 years, Palarong Pambansa is going back to Lingayen, Pangasinan.
The Department of Education has awarded the hosting of the annual talent search for public elementary and high school students to the town which staged the Palaro in 1995 during the term of former President Fidel V. Ramos, who hails from Asingan, Pangasinan.
The Palaro will be staged on May 6-13 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center.
Several other venues are being prepared, including the Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation in San Carlos City, an Olympic-size swimming pool in Dagupan City and a multi-purpose sports arena in Urdaneta City.
Though the organization will be handled by the DepEd, the Philippine Sports Commission said it will play an active role in the staging of the event by lending technical expertise and providing sports equipment.
Lingayen beat Marikina City, Occidental Mindoro and Laguna as Palarong host during a bidding held late last year.
The Palaro is held in Luzon every other year, while Mindanao and Visayas take their turn every four years.