PALARONG PAMBANSA 2015: Let us soar high Eagles

As the music resounds and the flags raised, players from all over the Philippines marched with pride and determination for the 2015 Palarong Pambansa.  Young players from different schools and backgrounds came to Tagum City with one thing in common and that is to bring pride to their province bringing home the gold medals. This year’s Palarong Pambansa host is Tagum City, Davao del Norte after winning the bidding rights against four other cities in Mindanao. With Tagum City’s sports ready facilities, no wonder they have won the nod of the Philippine Sports Commission. 

The Palarong Pambansa 2015 opening activity was successful amidst the blackbug insect invasion and strong outpouring of rain. Nevertheless, the night ended with bright and colorful fireworks display.

This year, Palarong Pamabansa is scheduled from May 3-9 held at the different areas around Tagum and Panabo City. Seeing all the players from around the country, Davao Region Eagles are not afraid to face them all as they continue to aspire for gold. With the scheme composition of 70-30, the players were also able to meet other talented individuals from around the region. 

As Team Acosta, together with Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta herself, visited and extended support to the players and we have seen the dedication and passion of the athletes in their sport. We have witnessed the game of the HS Women Softball Team together with Mr. William “Butch” Ramirez, Chairman of Davao City Sports and Ms. Jima Gelmo, Deped Sports Coordinator as they play against Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Even under the scorching heat of the sun, the young atheletes are really doing their best to bring honor to the Region. In the end, the Eagles won with the score 7-1.

(HS Women Softball Team with their Head Coach, Ms. Jima Gelmo, DepEd Sports Coordinator and City SPorts Chief Butch Ramirez)

One of those who shone in their game was the 15 y/o pitcher Irene Pelpinosas Lumanas from Crossing Bayabas National Highschool. Irene started playing softball when she was just 10 y/o and now it’s her 5^th Palaro game already, she is still passionate with the sport. When asked about their training, she said that their coach is really good and is helping them throughout. She also shared that their trainings are hard but fun. Sharing about her Palarong Pambansa experience, she said that NCR is their most difficult opponent. And last year, they were not able to enter the quarter finals.

(HS Women Softball Team prayed before the game started)

(On the move: HS Women Soft in their game against CAR)

(Waiting for their turn to bat)

Councilor Acosta also visited the players in Swimming. The Eagles were so inspired to see that government officials are at their back to support them in their fight. We have also met the youngest daughter of late DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo and incumbent Cong. Leni Robredo, Jillian Robredo supporting their region’s players.

(Olympic size pool of Tagum Sports Complex)

(Swimming: Palarong Pambansa 2015- DavNor Sports Comlpex)

(Swimming Officials o the side of the pool)

(Swimming Event)

(Angeline Q. Jain, one of Davao Region's swimming athlete)

The Councilor also visited the billeting quarters of our players, checking their situation and room assignments. In our visit, we have seen the full and enthusiastic support of our Region’s Department of Education. We have seen DepEd Division Superintendent of Davao City Helen Paguican with the teachers preparing for their presentation. We really are one in this fight!

(Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta having a small chat with DepEd Division Superintendent of Davao City Helen Paguican)

(Billeting Quarters: Tagum Comprehensive National Highschool)

(Billeting Quarters)

(Checking the quarters of the athletes at Tagum Comprehensive National Highschool)

(At your service: Medical Team of Davao Region)

Overall, as of May 7, 2015 8:00 AM, DAVRAA has already gained 5 golds.

Palarong Pambansa is an annual multi-sporting event having student-athletes from all over the Philippines and is organized and governed by the Department of Education together with the Philippine Sports Commission and other concerned agencies.

Did you know? 

Palarong Pambansa started in 1948 as “Bureau of Public Schools-Interscholastic Athletics Association Games or (BPISAA)”. Did you ever wonder what does the codes and acronyms of the different regions mean? Well, here’s a list of the participating regions all over the Philippines for you to know J

Regions
Code	Name
ARMMAA	Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao
CARAA	Cordillera Administrative Region
NCRAA	National Capital Region
R1AA (IRAA)	Region I or Ilocos Region
CAVRAA	Region II or Cagayan Valley
CLRAA	Region III or Central Luzon
STCAA	Region IV-A or Southern Tagalog - CALABARZON
MIMAROPAA	Region IV-B or Southern Tagalog - MIMAROPA
BRAA	Region V or Bicol Region
WVRAA	Region VI or Western Visayas
CVRAA	Region VII Central Visayas
EVRAA	Region VIII or Eastern Visayas
ZPRAA	Region IX or Zamboanga Peninsula
NMRAA	Region X or Northern Mindanao
DAVRAA	Region XI or Davao Region
SRAA	Region XII or SOCCSKSARGEN
CARAGA	Region XIII or CARAGA