Davao del Norte to stage peace-themed Palaro 2015

MANILA, Philippines – Davao del Norte will host this year's Palarong Pambansa from May 3 to 9 in Tagum City amid peace and order concerns following the recent clash between government forces and Muslim guerillas.

"Through the Palarong Pambansa 2015, we will show the world how sports can be used as a powerful tool in achieving peace," said host Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario in Wednesday's memorandum of agreement signing at the Department of Education office in Pasig City.

"Peace has always been the perpetual issue in Mindanao region. Let me assure you of our intent to leave no stones unturned in preparing for the largest sports conclave in the country," he added.

DepEd Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC, agrees.

"Is it safe to go to Mindanao? Us at DepEd and Davao del Norte believe so it this is the best time to make it work for peace," said Luistro. "The theme is breaking barriers and fielding peace and there is no other way to doing it by promoting sports."

To quash the worry of participants, which is expected to draw more than 10,000 students, del Rosario said they will put ample security on all passageways leading to Tagum.

"We will be employing 1,500 uniformed and non-uniformed personnel and possibly more to ensure the security of everyone," he said.

A total of 22 sports disciplines will be played with centerpiece athletics and medal-rich swimming to be held in the main hub, the DavNor Sports & Tourism Complex in Tagum.

Other events are archery, arnis, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, chess, football, gymnastics, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, billiards, futsal, wushu, wrestling and special events for the differently abled.