- GILBERT BAYORAN
Negros Occidental is again joining the bid to host the Palarong Pambansa 2024, said Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Lacson said that Negros Occidental was supposed to host the Palarong Pambansa next year but it was opened for rebidding by the Department of Education, after Cebu expressed its intention to host the national multi-sports competition.
The Antique provincial government also earlier signified intent to host next year’s meet after its successful hosting in 2017.
Marikina City will host this year’s games, from July 29 to Aug. 23.
The DepEd earlier issued a statement that it will introduce an additional tier, the Pre-National Qualifying Meet, to lessen the number of delegates, shorten the duration of the meet, and lower the expenses to be incurred, all without sacrificing the level of play.
Lacson recently led the inauguration of the newly-renovated Panaad Park and Stadium Football Field and Track Oval in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, in time for the opening of the Palarong Panlalawigan 2023, and the upcoming Panaad sa Negros Festival.
He said he hopes that the renovated track oval will inspire athletes in running events and encourage young Negrenses to be involved in sports activities.
“We’re just providing them a place where they can really improve their skills,” Lacson said./GB
