The 2025 Palarong Pambansa opened with a vibrant celebration of sports and culture as host province Ilocos Norte highlighted the local epic Biag ni Lam-ang during the opening ceremony at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium in Laoag City on Saturday.
In an interview with GMA News Online, Catherine Agustin, a Filipino teacher from Bagbag Solsona National High School, shared the significance of Lam-ang in Ilocano heritage, describing him as a symbol of strength and heroism.
“Ito ay isang epiko na tungkol sa buhay ni Lam-ang. Si Lam-ang kasi ay ipinanganak siya na nakakapagsalita na, na malakas. Tapos ‘yung father niya kasi nakipaglaban and alam naman natin na kapag sinabing epiko, ito ay tungkol sa bayanihan, pakikipaglaban, pakikipagsapalaran, at meron talagang ipinaglalaban,” Agustin said.
“Ang kinalaman sa pinalabas kanina, kasi alam naman natin na kapag epiko ay tungkol sa palakasan so ni-relate lang ‘yung lakas ni Lam-ang sa mangyayari ngayon sa Palarong Pambansa,” she added.
The epic-inspired presentation served as a fitting tribute to the spirit of athleticism, courage, and unity that the Palaro embodies, with student-athletes from across the country now set to showcase their own strength and resilience in the games ahead.