The Dimaporos—Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda and Congressman Abdullah "Bobby"—said the annual multi-sports meet for high school and elementary students set from May 4 to 11 will push through as planned at the sprawling Mindanao Civic Center.
"We are really very happy that after so many years, we can finally host the Palarong Pambansa in Tubod," said the lady governor. "And we hope that this year’s Palaro edition will be a success."
Bobby Dimaporo, for his part, said security of the participants, officials, parents and the media will not be a problem because the local government and the Philippine Sports Commission have been coordinating with the military and the local police to ensure the safety of everyone.
"We are prepared in all aspects, particularly the security of the people going to Lanao del Norte," said the Lanao Representative. "Aside from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, we have also tapped civilian networks and the Southern Command to make sure that there will be no hitches."
The Dimaporos guested in yesterday’s weekly PSA Forum, sponsored by Red Bull and Agfa Films at the Manila Pavilion along with PSC chairman Eric Buhain, 401st infantry battalion commander Col. Ernesto Boac and Lanao del Norte PNP director Laot Sarip.
"We are here to articulate the role of the military and the PNP in full support to the Palarong Pambansa," said Boac. "With regards to the billeting areas, all of the 22 have been adequately covered as we speak."
Buhain said they are expecting more than 5,000 athletes from 14 of the country’s 17 regions to participate in the meet last held a year back in Naga City. He said the other three–National Capital Region, Western Visayas and the new Southern Tagalog region of Mindoro, Marinduque, Palawan and Romblon–have yet to decide at presstime to send a delegation.
"This is the culminating event to every sacrifice Lanao del Norte has taken just to host the Palarong Pambansa," Buhain said. "Pag hindi natuloy ang Palaro, maraming pangarap ang hindi matutupad lalong-lalo na yung mga batang galing sa Mindanao."
Buhain also said they would have to make do with the P40 million budget allocated by the government to fund the Palaro. The budget came from Congress’ yearly appropriations worth P10 M while the rest came from President Arroyo’s social fund upon the request of the sports agency.
"The budget allocated to fund the Palaro is more than enough," said Buhain, who added that Lanao del Norte will take care of the rest of the expenses particularly the transportation and billeting of the participants.
Organizers have also invited President Arroyo to grace the opening ceremonies of the meet although they have yet to get official confirmation from Malacañang. It can be recalled that the Chief Executive attended the First Mindanao Friendship Games, a sports for peace project initiated by PSC commissioner William "Butch" Ramirez, in Tubod two years back.
The Dimaporos have also made big improvements of the 18-hectare sports complex.
"We made improvements in the Mindanao Civic Center. In fact, I’ve done some landscaping myself so you can call it a labor of love," said Imelda Dimaporo.
The Dimaporos have also announced this year’s Palaro theme: "Bridging the gap across the nation through sports."