MANILA, Philippines — Seeking to promote, preserve and propagate the Philippines’ rich culture and sports, the Larong Pinoy or Indigenous Filipino Games once again took center stage as exhibition sports in the 63rd Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City on Friday.
The Larong Pinoy includes kadang-kadang, tumbang preso and patintero, Mayor Marcy Teodoro said.
“It is very important to preserve our culture and sports. A community’s identity and heritage are defined by its culture. Its preservation helps future generations in understanding their ancestors’ roots, customs and values, providing a sense of belonging and continuity,” Teodoro said.
“Culture and sports preservation benefit society, build communities and contribute to a more peaceful and united country,” he added.
Larong Pinoy refers to a collection of traditional Filipino games and sports that have been passed down through generations.
These games have historical roots in the country’s pre-colonial history and show the Filipino people’s creativity, resourcefulness and communal spirit.
All the 17 regions have been ordered to select 10 members from their delegation to take part in Larong Pinoy, per Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum 35, s. 2023.
Also included in the exhibition sports are cheer dance, weightlifting and obstacle course, Teodoro continued.
Dance sports and pencak silat are demonstration sports in the 63rd Palarong Pambansa, he added.
DepEd Assistant Secretary for operations Francis Cesar Bringas and Teodoro oversaw the conduct of the exhibition sports at the Marikina Sports Center Gymnasium.
Separate activities, such as para-athletics, para-swimming, bocce and goal ball, will be held in the coming days for learner-athletes with intellectual disability, are visually impaired and orthopedically handicapped/amputee under Special Education or SPED classes.
Larong Pinoy was first introduced at the 62nd Palarong Pambansa in 2019 held in Davao, where officials and staff from the DepEd took part in games such as kadang-kadang, patintero, hilahang-lubid and karera ng sako.
Heavy traffic
Motorists should expect heavy traffic in Marikina tomorrow as several areas will be closed to motorists to give way to the parade and opening ceremonies of the Palarong Pambansa.
Teodoro has also announced the cancellation of classes in all levels in public and private schools as well as work in local government to give way to the festivities.
In a traffic advisory issued yesterday, the local government urged motorists to avoid the following areas which would be closed to vehicles starting 1 p.m. Monday: Marikina River Park, J.P. Rizal street, V. Gomez street, Shoe Avenue, Sumulong Highway and Marikina Sports Center.
Meanwhile, only motorists heading to Quezon City are allowed along Bonifacio Avenue as a one-way scheme will be implemented along the major thoroughfare from noon to 6 p.m.
The city government advised motorists to take alternative routes.
For motorists entering the city proper, they are advised to use Marcos Highway and Gil Fernando Avenue. People going to Antipolo City in Rizal can also use Marcos Highway.
Motorists going to San Mateo and Montalban in Rizal are advised to use Commonwealth Avenue and Batasan Road in Quezon City.
The local government said, asking for patience from motorists who have to take detours.