CEBU CITY, Philippines–(UPDATED, July 17, 7:20 p.m.) Here are the latest updates of the Palarong Pambansa 2024, which will be held in different venues around Cebu City and its neighboring cities from July 9 to 16, 2024.
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Dancesport: The saving grace of Central Visayas in Palarong Pambansa
The inclusion of dancesport as a regular event in the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa 2024 significantly bolstered Central Visayas’ (Region 7) position in the medal rankings, ensuring a top-five finish.
Without the contributions of dancesport, Central Visayas would have missed nine crucial gold medals, jeopardizing its overall standing.
Beyond maintaining its position, Central Visayas exceeded last year’s gold medal count from the Palaro in Marikina City.
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Marcos congratulates Cebu for Palaro hosting
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos highlighted programs his administration made in sports, congratulating Cebu City for hosting the Palarong Pambansa 2024 in his 3rd State of the Nation Address.
“Binabati natin ang Marikina at Cebu at Kagawaran nang Edukasyon sa kanilang matagumpay na pagtatanghal sa mga palarong ito. We will continue to support these health-enhancing sports programs. Through this we will also set our youth on the same well-established path that has taken some of our national champions and renowned athletes to sporting greatness,” Marcos said.
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Due to inaccuracies in the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) track oval line marking, 11 record-breaking events were nullified in Palarong Pambansa 2024. | CDN Digital Photo
CCSC oval controversy: 11 Palaro athletics records ‘nullified’
A total of 11 record-breaking performances in the athletics event of Palarong Pambansa 2024 were deemed as ‘invalid’ as a result of the inaccuracies in the measurement of the track oval of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
Winners were given the medals that they worked hard for but the new records that they set will not be recognized.
Many of the affected student-athletes could not help but express their disappointment against the event organizers, the Cebu City government.
Read full story here.
Asia Paraase: A Cebuana runner on the right track
Asia Paraase, a 17-year-old athlete from the Pajo National High School in Lapu-Lapu City, won the first gold of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 on July 11, by clocking 10 minutes and 27:36 seconds. It was her first Palaro gold.
This is her story.
DepEd to turn over Palarong Pambansa equipment to Cebu City
All equipment used for the Palarong Pambansa 2024 in Cebu City will be properly inventoried, according to an official from the Department of Education (DepEd) here.
Adolf Aguilar, assistant division schools superintendent of DepEd Cebu City, told reporters on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, after the closing ceremony of Palaro ended, that “all equipment will be inventoried” after the Palarong Pambansa.
Read full story here.
Vice President Sara Duterte delivers her speech during the closing ceremony of Palarong Pambansa 2024 at the Cebu City Sports Center, July 16. CDN Digital photo | Christian Dave Cuizon
VP Sara shows up in Palarong Pambansa 2024 closing ceremony
Despite her noted absence during the opening ceremony of Palarong Pambansa 2024 on July 9, Vice President Sara Duterte attended the closing ceremony at the Cebu City Sports Center on Tuesday, July 16.
Duterte’s presence was expected among the delegates of the Palarong Pambansa, especially as she is the outgoing secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
During the opening ceremony on July 9, Duterte was seen visiting and offering prayers at the Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño de Cebu a few hours before the arrival of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, who was among the high-profile personalities present at the event.
Read full story here.
Palarong Pambansa 2024: Tejero ES wins ‘Best Billeting School’ award
Tejero Elementary School that is occupied by the delegation from Calabarzon was named the “Best Billeting School” of Palarong Pambansa 2024.
School officials together with heads of the Calabarzon delegation received a cash prize of P15, 000.
Calabarzon (Region IV-A) also placed second overall placer in national meet’s final medal rankings.
Read full story here.
Palarong Pambansa 2024: Delegate loses belongings inside venue
Throughout the week-long Palarong Pambansa 2024 in Cebu City, there was only one untoward incident involving a delegate that was reported to police.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, Deputy Director for Operations of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said that a delegate reportedly lost some personal belongings after leaving a bag at a corner of a playing venue last week.
READ: Full story here
CCSC track oval is 0.88 meters short – sports officials
The CCSC track oval is short by 0.88 meters from its exact 400-meter measurement, sports officials revealed on Tuesday, July 16.
Cebu City Sports Commission Chairman John Pages confirmed this in a press conference on Tuesday inside the Cebu City Sports Center.
READ: Full story here
Pages to focus on athletes’ improvement following CV’s 5th place finish in Palaro
Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) Chairman John Pages has pledged to focus on enhancing athlete performance in preparation for next year’s national meet, following Central Visayas’ commendable yet slightly disappointing fifth-place finish in Palarong Pambansa 2024.
Despite hosting the prestigious Palaro, Central Visayas struggled to maintain its fourth-place position throughout the competition, eventually settling for fifth in the final medal standings.
This outcome, while surpassing their 2023 medal tally with a total of 110 medals (29 gold, 42 silver, and 39 bronze), prompted Pages and the CCSC to reassess and strengthen their approach.
Read full story here.
NCR’s secondary girls relay team poses for a photo after winning the race. | Christian Dave Cuizon
Palarong Pambansa 2024: NCR retains overall crown in runaway fashion
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The National Capital Region (NCR) reaffirmed its supremacy at the Palarong Pambansa, clinching the overall championship in dominating fashion as the five-day event concluded on Tuesday, July 16.
NCR secured a commanding total of 98 gold medals, complemented by 66 silvers and 74 bronzes, with only a few team sports events remaining as of this writing.
Read full story here.
Ilocos Norte Capitol | Photo from InVest Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte aims to match Cebu City for Palaro 2025
CEBU CITY, Philippines — After nearly 60 years, Ilocos Norte is set to host the Palarong Pambansa once again in 2025.
The announcement was made official earlier by the Department of Education (DepEd), which awarded the hosting rights to the province.
Read full story here.
Central Visayas Archery Team flex their earned medals and trophies during the awarding ceremony at the SRP Grounds. | Josh Almonte
Palarong Pambansa 2024: CV dominates archery competition
CEBU CITY, Philipines — The title “Overall Champion” best describes the performance of the Central Visayas Archery team after its impressive performance in Palarong Pambansa 2024, winning 5 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals during the Archery Competition at SRP Grounds, Cebu City.
Naina Dominique Tagle of Silliman University was hailed as the bemedalled archer in the competition after she earned four golds in the 1440 Girls, 60m Girls Individual, 70m Girls Individual, and Olympic Round Girls Individual.
Read full story here.
Cebuano first-timers strike gold medals in boxing
Despite struggling in the Palarong Pambansa’s medal rankings, Central Visayas’ boxers delivered a stellar performance, clinching the overall championship in the boxing event on Monday, July 15.
Ivhan Espina of Cebu City and AJ Basalo of Talisay City emerged victorious in their respective weight categories, securing gold medals in the highly anticipated finals held at the Cebu Coliseum.
Central Visayas concluded the boxing event with two golds and two silvers, while other regions managed just one gold each.
Read full story here.
Palarong Pambansa 2024: 3 Mindanao bidders revealed
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Three regions from Mindanao are currently bidding to host the Palarong Pambansa 2026.
It was officially revealed by Adolf Aguilar, assistant division schools superintendent of Cebu City of the Department of Education (DepEd), in an interview on Monday, July 14, in the penultimate of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 in Cebu City.
Read full story here.
Dr. Adolf Aguilar, assistant school’s division superintendent of DepEd Cebu City. CDN File photo | Niña Mae Oliverio
Palarong Pambansa 2024: Grand send-off, fun, colorful finale set
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The colorful and lively Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and an innovative show of lights will highlight the closing ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 on Tuesday, July 16, at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
It was announced on Monday, July 15, by one of the local organizing heads, Adolf Aguilar who is also DepEd Cebu City’s Assistant Schools Division superintendent.
In an interview with the media, Aguilar said that the closing ceremony would highlight Pasigarbo sa Sugbo’s more than 20 festivals showcasing the ‘best of Cebu’.
Read full story here.
Palarong Pambansa experience: Nostalgic and fun!
As the biggest sporting event for athletes from elementary and high school in the country draws near its end.
This year’s Palarong Pambansa will surely go down our history books especially for the Cebuano athletes and spectators because after 30 long years, this national sporting event was brought back to our shores.
Read full story here.
Cebu City Sports Center track oval. CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa
Track oval measurement: Results awaited from third party surveyor
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) and Cebu City government are now waiting for the results of the track oval measurement from the survey of the third party contractor.
DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas said in a press briefing on July 13 that although technical consultants had visited the track oval before they won the bid, the initial measurement did not include the rubber surface.
It was only after the rubber and other requirements were added that they discovered the oval was short.
Read full story here.
Central Visayas slips to 5th place as Palaro finale draws near
The host delegation, Central Visayas (Region 7), experienced a huge setback on the fourth day of Palarong Pambansa 2024, after sliding to fifth place in the medal rankings as of Sunday, July 14.
This mirrors their final position in last year’s competition held in Marikina City.
Davao Region (Region 11) overtook Central Visayas, securing 24 gold medals, 18 silvers, and 21 bronzes.
Read full story here.
NCR, Calabarzon dominate swim event by raking 21 golds each
As expected, swimming powerhouses — National Capital Region (NCR) and the Calabarzon (Region 4-A) – emerged as the dominant delegations as the medal-rich swimming event of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 closed its curtain after four days of competition at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) Aquatics Center on Sunday, July 14.
In total, NCR emerged as the top delegation and overall champion of the swimming event with 21 gold medals, 20 silvers, and 22 bronzes.
Western Visayas (Region 6) claimed the third spot with a 7-5-4 medal count, followed by SOCCSKSARGEN (Region 12) a 6-5-6 tally, and Region 8 at fifth place with a 4-2-3 count.
On the other hand, the hosts, Central Visayas (Region 7), finished 10th with a dismal zero gold medal with six silvers and six bronzes.
Read full story here.
Naina Dominique Tagle (16) of Dumaguete City, waits for her turn to compete in her Olympic round match. | Jose Almonte
Palarong Pambansa: Dumaguete archer shoots her way to 3 golds
CEBU CITY, Philippines — An archer from Silliman University grabbed three gold medals during the Palarong Pambansa 2024 Archery Competition at SRP Grounds, Cebu City, Saturday, July 13.
This was after Naina Dominique Tagle (16) of Dumaguete City topped the Girls Recurve 60m and 70m distances and Girls 1440 Fita to bag the 3 gold medals for the respective categories.
Tagle also won the silver in Girls 50m distance.
Read full story here.
Asia Paraase | CDN Digital photo / Glendale Rosal
Asia Paraase completes Palaro mission after winning 2nd gold medal
Central Visayas’ 17-year-old track sensation, Asia Paraase, delivered another jaw-dropping performance, securing her second gold medal at the Palarong Pambansa 2024 on Sunday, July 14, at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) oval.
Paraase, an Oponganon long-distance runner, clinched victory in the secondary girls’ 1,500-meter run, setting a new personal best of 4 minutes and 50 seconds, shattering her previous record of 4:56 set at the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) 2024.
Her stellar performance comes on the heels of winning the Palarong Pambansa’s first gold medal in the 3,000-meter run on Thursday, July 11. Paraase bested Davao Region’s Mary Jane Pagayon, who took silver, and Rica Rile of Bicol Region, who settled for bronze.
Read full story here.
Athletes compete in the hurdles event of the Palarong Pambansa. | Photo from Sugbuanong Kodaker
Palarong Pambansa 2024: CV athletes’ performance, hosting lauded
CEBU CITY, Philippines— The Department of Education Region 7 (DepEd-7) Director Salustiano Jimenez is delighted on how the host delegation, Central Visayas athletes and squads perform as the Palarong Pambansa 2024 reached its penultimate day of the meet.
Currently, Central Visayas is ranked fourth in the medal standings as of Sunday, July 14. It has 19 gold medals, 28 silvers, and bronzes.
It’s a huge improvement from its fifth place in last year’s Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City where it won 26-18-35 (gold-silver-bronze) tally.
Read full story here.
Palarong Pambansa 2024: Cebu City running 4th in division ranking
One of the exciting new features of Palarong Pambansa 2024 is the separate medal count for the cities or divisions competing in the meet.
This new addition is separate from the traditional region-based medal tally.
And host, Cebu City is finding itself fighting in the top four of the overall medal tally in the division rankings. With 10 gold medals, 10 silvers, and five bronzes as of July 13’s latest medal tally, the host city is sitting in fourth place with three days left in the country’s biggest gathering of student athletes.
READ: Full story here
Palarong Pambansa 2024: So far, so good – Organizers
Palarong Pambansa 2024 organizers expressed satisfaction with the way the meet is unfolding so far in Cebu City and neighboring LGUs.
Dr. Adolf Aguilar, the assistant schools division superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Cebu City, said the city is doing well as the host of the country’s biggest gathering of student-athletes.
READ: Read full story here
Garcia slams substandard CCSC track oval claims
Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia urged caution regarding the alleged lack of measurement of the track oval at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), saying that it’s premature to label the it as substandard.
He addressed the brewing controversy and said that it was too early to make any definitive claims about the CCSC track oval measurement.
This comes in response to reports that the track, which is being used for the Palarong Pambansa 2024, may not meet the standard 400-meter length required for official athletic events.
READ: Full story here
Raymond blows top over reports on Palaro billeting quarters inadequacies
Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia lashed out at the media during a coordination meeting with various agencies, including law enforcement and government offices, for Palarong Pambansa on July 12.
He repeatedly accused the media of unfair reporting, particularly on the issues of inadequate water supply in the Palaro billeting quarters and the clogged and often dysfunctional comfort rooms.
READ: full story here
National Academy of Sports: Putting focus on talent, holistic program
National Academy of Sports (NAS) inclusion in the Palarong Pambansa 2024 is one of the major innovations of the national sports meet.
Amid initial skepticism about its impact on the medal standings, NAS has more to it than meets the eye.
CDN Digital took the chance to learn more about this new Palaro delegation that only fielded a handful of athletes in the five-day national games.
READ: full story here
CV slows down on Day 2 of Palaro, secures only two gold medals
After a spectacular performance in Thursday evening’s dancesport event with nine gold medals, Central Visayas (Region 7), the host delegation, experienced a quieter Day 2 of hostilities in the ongoing Palarong Pambansa 2024.
Central Visayas secured only two gold medals as the competition intensified, particularly in athletics and swimming events dominated by Western Visayas and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The first gold medal came from Ace Francis Bacongallo of Bayawan City, who triumphed in the elementary boys’ triple jump event at the Cebu City Sports Center late Friday afternoon.
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Palarong Pambansa futsal: Central Visayas on track to defend title
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Central Visayas futsal girls secondary team is on track to defend the title they won from last year’s Palarong Pambansa which was held in Marikina City in Metro Manila.
The team has already secured two wins. Their first win was against Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9), 7-3, yesterday, July 11, and their second win was during an intense match today, July 12, against the National Capital Region (NCR), 4-3, here at Sacred Heart School- Ateneo de Cebu.
Read full story here.
Cebu City Palaro athletes: P5,000, more incentives for them
Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia announced a financial incentive plan to boost the morale of Cebu City’s athletes competing in the Palarong Pambansa 2024.
Each athlete will receive P5,000, and those who win medals will receive an additional award.
Garcia said giving incentives would be a way of acknowledging the dedication and honor they bring to the city.
Read full story here.
Palarong Pambansa dancesport: Central Visayas bags 9 gold medals
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Central Visayas bagged 18 medals including 9 golds in the Dancesport Competition of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 at the Gmall of Cebu on Thursday evening.
The Region 7 dancesport dancers also added 7 silvers, and 2 bronze medals, in the event that was held as a medal sport for the first time in Palaro history,
Mitchloni Dinauanao (17) and Francis Dave Sombal (18) of the University of Cebu won six gold medals in Junior Latin.
READ: full story here.
Mary Joy Tabal shares heartfelt message to fan who won Palarong Pambansa’s first gold medal
Asia Paraase (left) and Mary Joy Tabal (right). | CDN and Facebook photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Mary Joy Tabal, the celebrated “Marathon Queen” of the Philippines, shared a heartfelt message to Asia Paraase, the young athlete who clinched the first gold medal at the Palarong Pambansa.
In an interview with CDN Digital, Tabal expressed her deep admiration for Paraase, a fellow Cebuana, who revealed that she idolizes Tabal.
Paraase didn’t just win the gold medal; she also bested her personal 3,000-meter secondary girls record with a new time of 10 minutes and 27.36 seconds, eclipsing her previous best of 10:33.
READ full story here.
Palarong Pambansa Chess: 2 gold medals for Central Visayas
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Edelyn A. Vosotros and Kristina Concepcion from the University of Cebu (UC), representing Central Visayas (Region 7), won two gold medals in the individual and team events of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 secondary girls’ blitz chess competition on Thursday, July 11, at the UP Cebu campus.
Vosotros scored a perfect 7 out of 7 points, securing a gold medal in the individual event, while Concepcion scored 5 out of 7 points. Together, they achieved a total of 12 out of 14 points, also securing a gold medal in the team events.
Blitz chess refers to a game of chess with a fast time control, requiring players to rely on quick calculations and intuition due to the limited time available.
READ full story here.
Palarong Pambansa 2024: Central Visayas and Western Visayas rake gold medals on Day 1
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Central Visayas (Region 7) pulled off a surprising act on the first day of hostilities at the Palarong Pambansa, bagging the meet’s first gold medal on Thursday, July 11, at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
So far, Central Visayas has collected four gold medals, three silvers, and two bronzes on the first day of the five-day national games. Notably, three of the gold medals were not yet accounted for in the official Palarong Pambansa medal tally.
Leading Central Visayas’ gold medal haul was Asia Paraase, who won the meet’s first gold medal early Thursday morning by topping the 3,000-meter secondary girls’ run at the CCSC oval. Other gold medalists included female woodpushers Edelyn Vosotros and Kristina Concepcion Belano, and arnisador Nathaniel Abing.
READ: full story here.
Lapu-Lapu’s Abing is CV’s first gold medalist in Palaro arnis
He felt very scared that he even cried before the arnis competition of Palarong Pambansa started on Thursday morning.
But his hard work and determination were enough to make Troy Nathaniel Abing, 12, win a gold medal in the elementary boys individual single weapon category.
Abing, who is from Lapu-Lapu City, said he was determined to win that is why he did his best to become the first gold medalist for arnis in Central Visayas.
READ: full story here.
Rondina, Gagate inspire Palarong Pambansa volleyball athletes
Thea Gagate and Sisi Rondina (middle) joins a selfie with Palarong Pambansa organizers, PNVP President Ramon Suzara (fourth from right) and local volleyball stakeholders. | By Glendale Rosal
Cebuana volleyball stars Cherry Ann “Sisi” Rondina and Thea Gagate took time to inspire young athletes participating in the Palarong Pambansa volleyball competition held at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Basak Campus on Thursday, July 11.
Accompanied by Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon Suzara, Rondina and Gagate graced the formal opening of the Palaro’s volleyball competition.
In a generous gesture, they also donated brand-new volleyball nets to each of the participating delegation.
Read full story here
New Palaro record for 50-meter butterfly event
Albert Jose Amaro II of Region IV-A shattered his previous record in the 50-meter Butterfly, clocking in at an impressive 25.25 seconds, breaking his former time of 26.14 seconds.
This new record solidifies his position as one of the top swimmers in the region and sets a high bar for future competitors.
Dancesport now a ‘regular sport’ in Palarong Pambansa
From being a demo sport, dancesport is now considered a ‘regular sport’ in Palarong Pambansa 2024.
In fact, a total of 24 medals are up for grab in the elementary and secondary division waltz, chacha, tango, and rumba among others.
“Finally, now that it has been [made] a regular sport, now we are looking forward to getting more and more competitors nationwide because some of them are holding back because they are not a regular sport,” said Lowell Tan, a national adjudicator of the Philippine DanceSport Federation.
Read full story here.
USJ-R Lady Jaguars now 2-0 in Palarong Pambansa girls volleyball
The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Lady Jaguars eked out another hard-earned three-set victory in the ongoing secondary girls volleyball tilt of the Palarong Pambansa 2024.
The Lady Jaguars representing Central Visayas (Region 7) defeated Central Luzon (Region 3) in three sets, 22-25, 25-19, and 25-14, at their homecourt in the USJ-R Basak Campus indoor court on Thursday, July 11.
The outcome of the game was eerily similar to their hard-fought win in yesterday’s opening match against CARAGA Region where they lost one set.
Read full story here.
Central Visayas basketball teams rout foes in Palaro openers
Players from Abellana National School and Zamboanga Peninsula battle for the ball in this bit of Palarong Pambansa girls basketball action at the USC-North gym on July 11, 2024. CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa
The University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers showed why they’re one of Cebu’s feared high school teams after obliterating Region IV-B (MIMAROPA), 116-70, to grab their first win in the Palarong Pambansa 2024 secondary boys basketball on Thursday, July 11.
Also starting strong was Central Visayas’ girls’ basketball team manned by Abellana National School, which defeated Region 9, Zamboanga Peninsula, 99-55.
Read full story here.
Palaro Swim Trials
Athletics Action Suspended
Palaro Medal Tally as of Thursday, July 31, 1:00 PM
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Palarong Pambansa 2024: Paraase shares emotional gold medal win
Asia Paraase, a 17-year-old athlete from Pajo National High School in Lapu-Lapu City, captured hearts today as she clinched the first gold medal of the Palarong Pambansa held at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Paraase ruled the secondary girls’ 3,000-meter run, winning the first gold medal in the entire meet and first gilt for the host delegation, Central Visayas which is an elusive feat.
Read full story here.
Cebu’s rising long-distance runner Asia Paraase won the first gold medal of the entire Palarong Pambansa 2024. Paraase represents Central Visayas in the national meet. | Glendale Rosal
Palarong Pambansa 2024: Paraase of CV wins nat’l meet’s first gold
Cebu’s rising long-distance runner Asia Paraase won the first gold medal of the entire Palarong Pambansa 2024 in the meet’s first day of hostilities on Thursday, July 11, at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
Paraase, an incoming Grade 12 of Pajo National High School of Lapu-Lapu City ruled the secondary girls 3,000-meter run to provide not just the host, Central Visayas’ first gold medal, but the entire meet.
Read full story here.
Palarong Pambansa 2024 first gold medal winner
Palaro’s first gold won by CV’s Paraase
Cebuana gymnast aims to emulate SEA Games gold medalist
Gymnastics is considered one of the most graceful and medal-rich sports events featured in Palarong Pambansa, and the host Central Visayas (Region 7) won’t have a shortage of contenders in this competition.
As the highly anticipated rhythmic gymnastics gets underway tomorrow at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Lahug Campus, all eyes are on Central Visayas’ gymnastic prospect, Georgina Shanelle Villaruel of the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters.
At just 14 years old, Villaruel has already set her sights on following in the footsteps of her idol, Daniela Reggie Dela Pisa, the decorated Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) gold medalist and former Palarong Pambansa standout.
Read full story here.
Boxing Buddies: A journey of a hopeful father and son
In a boxing match, every punch reflects a boxer’s hard work, training, and sacrifice. It becomes even more special when a father takes on the role of the trainer—the one who guides moves, builds confidence, and nurtures growth inside the ring.
Meet Michael S. Tesoro, the father of Mike L. Tesoro, an aspiring boxing athlete from the CARAGA region, who is set to compete in this year’s Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City under the Junior Boys’ Boxing 44-46 kg category.
At a very young age, Mike started to dream of becoming a boxer when he randomly tried sparring with a skillful friend in their local plaza, where he luckily won. Later, a tournament manager approached his father and suggested they should pursue boxing, recognizing Mike’s potential.
Read full story here.
Palarong Pambansa 2024: Cebu pugs more than ready to trade punches
Four of Central Visayas’ bets in Palarong Pambansa‘s boxing event are ready to wage war in the ring as the competition officially starts tomorrow, July 11, at the Cebu Coliseum.
They are Carl Jan Simbajon, Justin Balbarino, Fredrich Locsin, and Cris Ivhan Espina who will carry Central Visayas’ flag in the boxing event.
No less than veteran boxing trainer and international matchmaker Edito Villamor and Cebu City grassroots trainer Ryan Illustrisimo trained these pugs in time for the national games.
Read full story here.
Volleyball, football, basketball go full swing ahead of first-day hostilities
Several of the eight ball games featured in the Palarong Pambansa 2024 officially started on Wednesday, July 10, in various venues around Cebu City.
Its highlight was the volleyball action at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Basak Campus where no less than Vice President and outgoing Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio watched a game of her hometown, Region XI’s (Davao Region’s) secondary boys squad.
Read full story here.
Coach on a wheelchair: Meet Emanuel Digamon of Zamboanga Sibugay
CEBU CITY, Philippines – For Emanuel Digamon, his disability will never be a hindrance to his desire to teach student-athletes how to play table tennis.
Digamon of Zamboanga Sibugay has been on a wheelchair for four years now.He is no longer able to move both his arms and his lower extremities following an accident that happened on December 2019.But for as long as he is able to talk and give instructions to his trainees, Digamon said he will continue to teach table tennis.
He is no longer able to move both his arms and his lower extremities following an accident that happened on December 2019.
But for as long as he is able to talk and give instructions to his trainees, Digamon said he will continue to teach table tennis.
Read full story here.
Larong Pinoy: Revisiting our childhood’s favorite games
A delegate from Region 2 playing a traditional filipino game, kadang-kadang.
Larong Pinoy, a special side event of the ongoing Palarong Pambansa highlights traditional games played by every Filipino child way before the advent of gadgets.
Kadang-kadang, patintero, tumbang preso, and more are featured in the event wherein all delegations compete against each other in an atmosphere of camaraderie, sense of community and unadulterated childhood fun.
The Department of Education Cebu City Division, together with the Cebu City Government conducted Larong Pinoy on Wednesday, July 10, at the GMall Cebu.
Read about it here.
Palarong Pambansa: Karate demo held, nat’l games inclusion eyed
Two karatekas spar during the Karate exhibition at the Gmall in Cebu City. | Josh F. Almonte
Karate Pilipinas(KPI) holds a Karate Exhibition game during the second day of Palarong Pambansa 2024, July 10, at Gmall Cebu, with the hopes of becoming a part of the sporting event of the national games.
According to the KPI organizing committee member, Mark Wendell Gimena, Karate has the intention to be part of the Palarong Pambansa as a regular sport.
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Central Visayas spikers log first win
The University of San Jose-Recoletos girls’ volleyball team pose after winning its first game against Caraga in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa at the Recoletos Coliseum of the USJ-R Basak Campus. CDN Digital photo | Glendale Rosal
Region 7 (Central Visayas), manned by volleybelles of the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), survived a thrilling opening match against CARAGA, 18-25, 25-15, 25-22, in the secondary girls volleyball competition of the Palarong Pambansa at the USJ-R Basak Campus on Wednesday, July 10.
The player of the match was Rachel Ann Tecson.
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CDN Minute: Palaro 2024 opening
Here are sights and sounds from the opening of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Palarong Pambansa opening: Raymond surprised by VP Sara’s no show
Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia hoped that Vice President Sara Duterte would join them in the closing ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa 2024.
Duterte, the outgoing Education Secretary, was a no-show during the opening of this year’s Palaro at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) last Tuesday, July 9.
Her absence surprised Garcia, who expected the Vice President to join them on Tuesday’s event.
“Yes, I was surprised because there was already a confirmation that she was coming,” the acting mayor told reporters in the sidelines of the event.
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Palarong Pambansa opening: Rama congratulates organizers, athletes
Even if he was not seen being present during the opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa, suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama still extended his wishes to the participants.
Not too long after the opening ceremony ended, Rama posted on his Facebook account his sentiments towards the student athletes who would compete in the week-long national event in Cebu City.
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President Marcos attends Palaro opening but VP Sara a no show
This year’s opening of the Palarong Pambansa had high-profile personalities, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in attendance.
But some of the core officials behind the event, particularly Vice President Sara Duterte and suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, were no-shows.
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Raymond proposes cash incentives for Cebu City Palaro medalists
Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia will recommend to the City Council to set aside a budget for the release of cash incentives to the city’s athletes who will win a medal in Palarong Pambansa 2024 that will start on Thursday, July 11.
In an interview at the Cebu City Sports Center during the opening of the Palarong Pambansa on Tuesday, Garcia expressed his intention to reward athletes who will bring pride to the city.
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Cebu City hosts spectacular Palarong Pambansa opening ceremony
CEBU CITY, Philippines— Cebu City rolled out the red carpet for delegates of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 with a dazzling opening ceremony at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) on Tuesday, July 9.
Marking its return to Cebu after 30 years, the national games welcomed 19 competing delegations and over 12,000 athletes with an extravagant showcase of local culture and talent.The event kicked off with vibrant “Sinulog themed” performances by over a thousand dancers representing various dance groups and universities, showcasing Cebu’s rich cultural heritage.
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President Bongbong Marcos arrives for Palarong Pambansa opening
Salute to our Palarong Pambansa athletes!
WATCH: Dancing Philippine Eagle mascot
Eastern Visayas Palarong Pambansa chant
Scenes from Palaro 2024 parade
Personalized Palaro flasks!
Cebu City officials kick off Palarong Pambansa 2024
Officials from Cebu City, led by Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, kick off the opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Happy faces
Delegates from the 19 teams competing in the Palarong Pambansa 2024 can’t help but show their excitement as the grand parade starts along Osmeña Boulevard on Tuesday afternoon.
2024 Palaro starts in Cebu
The Opening Ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 has officially started with the University of Cebu Cadets carrying the official flag of the Palaro on the stage of the Cebu City Sports Center.
Sanator Imee Marcos present for opening day
Gloomy opening day
Crowd starts to build up for opening of Palarong Pambansa 2024
Message from the Vice President
Road closures for Palarong Pambansa 2024
Palarong Pambansa 2o24 opening day schedule
Ready for Palaro 2024 in Cebu?
Here are some ways you can cheer for your favorite athlete or team in the Palarong Pambansa in Cebu!
Alternative playing venues in place in case of bad weather— Pages
The unpredictable weather in Cebu will not be a major problem for Palarong Pambansa 2024 after the organizers gave the assurance that contingency measures are in place for the week-long meet.
Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) Chairman John Pages told the media that they have identified alternative venues for outdoor sports that will be affected by heavy downpour and that they would carry on the games until the evening if the weather will not be favorable early in the day during the meet scheduled from July 11 to 15.
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Palarong Pambansa mascot
The official mascot of the Palarong Pambansa is the “Matatag,” inspired by Cebu’s rarest bird, the Cebu Flowerpecker.
The Cebu Flowerpecker was once declared instinct, but its species was rediscovered in 1992. Matatag represents not just its namesake, but also Palaro’s theme “Beyond Sports.”
Pagasa forecasts fair weather in Metro Cebu for Palarong Pambansa week
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Delegates and the public will be able to experience a fair weather throughout the week for Palarong Pambansa 2024.
Engineer Alfredo Quiblat Jr., chief of Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in Mactan, on Monday, July 8 said that no typhoons or low-pressure area are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this week, affecting Metro Cebu.
Next week, from July 16 to July 18, there is expected to be a low likelihood of typhoons entering PAR.
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Cebu City now 100% ready for Palaro hosting – Raymond
With two days left before the official kickoff of Palarong Pambansa 2024, acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said that everything is now in place.
“We’re very much prepared akong gi tan-aw nga murag naa jud tas one hundred percent ani obviously, kay tungod gyud sa atong mga preparations nga gipangbuhat,” he said.
Still, Garcia said that they will continue to look into the needs of the visiting student-athletes to address their concerns, including the need for stable water supply at the billeting quarters and conduct of extensive price monitor to make sure that they do not end up buying overpriced goods.
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Palarong Pambansa 2024 list of venues
Slight changes were made to the official playing venues of the Palarong Pambansa 2024.
This was officially announced by Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) Chairman John Pages, who is also one of Palarong Pambansa’s overall organizers.
Pages said that it’s important to announce the changes for everyone’s awareness, especially the delegates and their families who will be here in Cebu during the meet.
Click here to check out the list of playing venues for the multi-sporting meet.
Palarong Pambansa 2024 schedule
P-POP GROUP ALAMAT IS HERE
SENATOR IMEE ARRIVES IN CCSC