Palarong Pambansa 2025 Kicks Off in Ilocos Norte with President Marcos as Guest of Honor - People's Press PH

By Kemberly Resentes | Philippine People’s Press 

Laoag City, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to headline the grand opening ceremony of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa on Saturday evening, bringing the national spotlight to his home province, Ilocos Norte. The event will take place at the newly upgraded Ferdinand E. Marcos Stadium in Laoag City.

Joining the President as guest of honor is newly appointed Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Edgardo “Sonny” Angara. Together, they will lead the formal launch of the weeklong multi-sport event, which will feature a spectacular three hour opening program filled with performances and tributes.

This year’s Palarong Pambansa honors a local hero Teofilo Yldefonso, a legendary swimmer known as the “Ilocano Shark.” Yldefonso made history as the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to win an Olympic medal, capturing bronze in the 200-meter breaststroke in the 1928 Amsterdam and 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Over 15,600 athletes and coaches from across the country are expected to compete in this year’s national games, with the first gold medals to be contested on Monday in the athletics events, including the secondary girls’ 3000-meter run.

Hosting the Palaro is no small feat. Organizers revealed that more than ₱1.6 billion was allocated to prepare for the event. The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte shouldered the bulk of the cost, spending ₱1.1 billion to refurbish venues, including the state of the art Marcos Stadium. The Department of Education contributed ₱500 million to support the hosting and logistics of the national meet.

Helen Rose Domingo, head of the Ilocos Norte Sports Development Office, credited Vice Governor Matthew Manotoc and Laoag City Mayor Michael Keon for their active roles in ensuring the success of the preparations.

“They’ve both been deeply involved and their experience in sports management has been invaluable. This event wouldn’t be possible without their guidance,” Domingo said.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region (NCR) returns as the team to beat, aiming for a record-extending 18th consecutive overall championship title, following their dominant performance in last year’s Palaro in Cebu, where they amassed 98 gold, 66 silver, and 74 bronze medals.

As the 2025 Palarong Pambansa unfolds, all eyes are on Ilocos Norte not just as a host province, but as a proud stage for the country’s finest young athletes to shine.

- Philippine People's Press | In Truth We Prevail