DepEd, Cebu City seal pact for 54th edition of Palarong Pambansa

FILE PHOTO: This photo shows the torch lighting event during the opening of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa. The Department of Education (DepEd) and Cebu City signed on Friday, February 2, 2024, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the conduct of the 54th edition of Palarong Pambansa or National Sports Competition. Photo from DepEd

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) and Cebu City signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the conduct of the 54th edition of Palarong Pambansa or National Sports Competition.

“The unique character [and] hospitality of Cebu City will make this year’s Palaro even more memorable for all our student-athletes. We affirm our unwavering dedication to strengthening our support for young athletes,” said Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.

Duterte led the signing of the MOA on Friday. She stressed in a speech DepEd’s commitment to supporting young athletes of the country.

READ: Cebu City to host Palarong Pambansa 2024

According to her, this year’s National Sports Competition aims to equip young Filipino athletes with the necessary tools to “nurture discipline, resilience, and the indomitable experience required to pursue their athletic passions.”

Duterte also said that the annual sports event serves as an integral part of DepEd’s efforts to strengthen its grassroots sports programs.

“Furthermore, the MOA between the DepEd and the local government of Cebu City underscores our shared commitment to creating the optimal environment for our young athletes to interact, to compete, and to excel,” she noted.

“This commitment extends to promoting their physical, intellectual, and social wellbeing,” she added.

READ: More swimming records broken in Palarong Pambansa

Cebu City would host the Palarong Pambansa for the third time. It first hosted the even in 1954, and then in 1994.

The 2024 Palarong Pambansa would likewise mark its second face-to-face conduct since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.