President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his message during the opening of the Palarong Pambansa 2017 in Antique province.
cdn photo/TONEE DESPOJO
San Jose Buenavista, Antique — The 60th edition of the Palarong Pambansa formally opened yesterday and Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (Cviraa) was quick to make its presence felt .
Gymnast Daniela Reggie dela Pisa went to work early and snatched three gold medals after topping the rope, hoop and ball events of the secondary rhythmic gymnastics (RG) event at the Binirayan Sports Complex.
The 13-year-old University of the Visayas (UV) bet also snatched a bronze medal in the club event and helped Region 7 win a silver in the team event last Saturday.
Dela Pisa’s mother, Darlene, who is also Region 7’s RG coach said it was by far her daughter’s most productive output in the Palaro.
Darlene, however, will be raising some concerns to tournament officials.
“I was happy with the win but in the clubs event, the tournament manager kept talking on the microphone while my daughter was performing, which may have disturbed her. I have a video and I’m planning to complain to Department of Education (DepEd),” said Darlene.
Alexansandra Victoria Cruz, on the other hand, contributed bronze in the secondary RG club.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the grand opening ceremonies at the EBJ Sports Complex.
Also in attendance were DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, Senator Loren Legarda, Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao, San Jose de Buenavista Mayor Elmer Untaran, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Butch Ramirez and PSC Commissioners Ramon Fernandez, Raymond Charles Maxey, Celia Kiram and Arnold Agustin.
In his speech, Duterte stressed the importance of Palaro.
“You will be the future fathers and mothers. We are trying to build the sense of fairness, values and discipline. Palaro is also about muscle and stamina and building,” said Duterte.
“Education gets the lion’s share in the budget appropriations because you are the future of the nation.”
Too hot
Meanwhile, athletes strutting their wares in the Palaro were reminded to protect themselves from the intense heat of the sun.
DepEd issued the reminder after at least 12 pupils from various schools in Antique passed out after taking part in a dancesport demonstration during the opening ceremonies.
The outdoor demonstration, which was held past 2 p.m., was part of the preparation for the sport’s inclusion in next year’s Palaro.
An usherette, who asked not to be named, said some pupils panicked after seeing their fellow performers pass out one after the other.
The pupils were already resting in the grandstand when some of them started falling ill. Paramedics rushed the pupils to the province’s rescue team center located inside the sports complex.
“Because of this incident, we advise the athletes to take precautionary measures,” DepEd Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali told Cebu Daily News.
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