- CHERYL G. CRUZ
The four-day Negros Occidental Palarong Panlalawigan opened at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, Thursday, March 30, after three years of hiatus due to the coronavirus disease pandemic.
This as the Bacolod City government allotted P5.6 million as financial assistance for the participation of the Division of Bacolod City to the Palarong Panlalawigan, or the Negros Occidental Athletic Association and Cultural Meet 2023.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led local chief executives, Department of Education and other provincial and LGU officials during the opening ceremony said that this year’s Palaro is a much anticipated one in recent years.
“As we resume our Provincial Meet under the new normal, talents will be discovered anew and dreams will again be fulfilled,” Lacson said in his message as he congratulated all student athletes even before the start of the various competitions.
“The fact that you are here to represent your areas is proof that you are all winners. Not all circumstances can be favorable to your goal of being student-athletes, but you persevered and now you are ready to take on this Palarong Panlalawigan. This is your chance to show your skills, and promote sportsmanship, camaraderie, and rapport among yourselves,” the governor told the athletes.
Always remember that sport training is an integral part of your development, Lacson said. “May your experience in this Provincial Meet further teach you respect, patience, endurance, determination, teamwork, the ability to lose gracefully, and to win with humility.”
Lacson also reminded LCEs, Schools Division superintendents, district supervisors, sports coordinators, delegation heads, teachers, coaches, and parents of their serious role as enablers of our youth.
“Supporting our student athletes is a joint responsibility of the school, government, and the home. May we continue to enable and empower the youth of today,” he added./CGC
