President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pledged full government support to Filipino athletes during the opening ceremony of the 65th Palarong Pambansa held Saturday night at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. Memorial Stadium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
In his speech, Marcos encouraged grade school and high school athletes to give their best and stay determined in pursuing their dreams.
“Magandang halimbawa kayo sa kabataang Pilipino na may pangarap sa buhay at determinasyon upang matupad ito. Kami naman sa pamahalaan, hangga’t sa maabot ng aming makakaya, ginagawa po namin ang lahat para matulungan kayong maging mahusay na manlalaro,” he said.
“Ang gobyerno ay laging nasa likod ninyo. Tutulungan namin kayong maabot ang inyong pangarap dahil ang panalo ninyo, panalo na rin namin,” he added.
Marcos said that win or lose, the athletes are already champions for their discipline and dedication to their sport.
“Higit sa pagkapanalo, mas mahalagang matutunan ninyo ang disiplina, ang halaga ng pakikipagkaibigan at mag-enjoy naman sa inyong favorite sport, Manalo man o matalo. Tandaan ninyo, ang taong lumalaban ay hindi natatalo,” he said.
“Losers are those who fail to try. Winners are those who try and maybe they failed, but then they try again and do not stop trying until they win and succeed.”
He also reminded them to prioritize their health and keep striving until they succeed. Marcos expressed optimism that some of the student-athletes could one day represent the country in international events.
“Ngayong araw dito sa Palarong Pambansa, kayo naman ang kasali. Sa susunod kayo na ang kinatawan ng Pilipinas sa Asian Games at saka sa Olympics, kaya paghusayan ninyo,” he said.
This year’s Palarong Pambansa features 24 regular sports including athletics, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, taekwondo, and swimming. Weightlifting will be introduced as a demonstration sport, while kickboxing, girls’ football, and girls’ futsal will be held as exhibition events.
Athletes with disabilities will also compete in para-athletics, para-swimming, bocce, and goalball.
About 15,000 delegates from 20 athletic associations—including the country’s 18 regions, the National Academy of Sports, and Philippine Overseas Schools—will participate from May 25 to 30. The event carries the theme “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan” (United Archipelago).