CEBU, Philippines — After skipping the opening ceremony, Vice President Sara Duterte showed up at the culmination program of the week-long Palarong Pambansa 2024 at the Cebu City Sports Center yesterday to thank all the people behind the success of the biggest annual national sporting event.
The outgoing Education Secretary extended her deepest gratitude to all the local government units as well as the other government agencies and private sectors who have helped the Department of Education in the staging of the 64th Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City.
“Sa lahat ng mga magagaling at disiplinadong atleta na lumahok sa Palarong Pambansa 2024 — congratulations sa inyong lahat,” Duterte said in her less than five-minute speech.
“Mga kababayan patuloy po tayong maging matatag tungo sa pagtaguyod ng Isang Bansang Makabata at mga Batang Makabansa. Ang lahat ng ginagawa natin ay para sa Diyos, sa Bayan, at sa Pamilyang Pilipino,” she added.
Duterte urged all the delegates to bring homer with them the Cebuano pride.
“Bring to your respective communities the distinct Cebuano trait of pride or value. Cebuanos are known for their ‘garbo’ for one’s culture, talents, faith, and family. It is the same garbo that we always take to heart as we pursue life with excellence, integrity, values, and enduring love of country,” said Duterte.
The vice president was joined by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Ilocos Norte Gov. Mattew Manotoc, and acting Mayor Raymond Garcia on stage during the awarding ceremony. Manotoc received the Palaro torch as the next host of the Palarong Pambansa 2025. He said his province will try its best to host the next sporting event.
Yesterday’s closing program was hosted by the Cebu Provincial Government. As host, the governor did not give a speech but joined the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo performers. The Capitol spent P8-million for the closing program. It was dedicated to all the athletes who did their best to compete for their respective region. — (FREEMAN)