LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and the Department of Education (DepEd) continue preparations for the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, tentatively scheduled for April 24 to May 1.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc outlined three key priorities for the event: athlete welfare and safety, environmental sustainability, and digital innovation.



“We want to make sure that first and foremost, our athletes are taken care of so they are comfortable. Second, our theme is sustainable as the Renewable Capital of the Philippines, so we want our games to be eco-friendly. And third, is leveraging technology. We want to create an app where the public can find information for the Palarong Pambansa,” he said.

The Governor announced that waste disposal bins will be placed at playing venues and accommodations to promote proper waste management. He also encouraged the use of reusable materials to minimize single-use plastics during the games.

Manotoc added that they are exploring additional initiatives to make this year’s Palarong Pambansa more eco-friendly.

Once implemented, the application will enhance the event by providing the public with easy access to game schedules and venues, increasing viewership and support for local athletes.

The games are expected to attract approximately 15,000 participants, including athletes, coaches, and DepEd officials from across the country.

To accommodate the event, renovations are underway at key facilities such as the Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM) Memorial Stadium and the Centennial Arena.

Governor Manotoc also shared plans to increase flights to Ilocos Norte in anticipation of the influx of visitors. Currently, direct flights only connect Manila to Laoag City.

“Due to the fact that a lot of Filipinos will be heading to Ilocos Norte for the games, we want to show the best of our province—whether that be our culture, our dances, our singers, our local products, or our gastronomy. So this will be a display of Ilocos Norte to the greatest level,” Manotoc said.

Infrastructure and logistics in progress

DepEd Schools Division of Ilocos Norte (SDOIN) sports coordinator Gene Reginaldo meanwhile emphasized the importance of collaboration with the provincial government.



“We ensure that there are enough playing venues to accommodate all the games during the Palarong Pambansa. Right now, we are only looking for alternative playing venues that were originally scheduled in a mall being built here in case it won’t be available in time. We will finalize the playing venues by March 31,” he said.

He added that DepEd is coordinating with local authorities and law enforcement to guarantee the event runs smoothly and safely.

The Palarong Pambansa, held annually since 1948, is the country’s largest sports event for student-athletes. Organized by the DepEd, it aims to promote physical education, discover athletic talents, and foster camaraderie among young athletes.

Participants from various regions compete in sports such as athletics, ball games, swimming, and more, with the event hosted in a different location each year.

The ongoing efforts of the provincial government and DepEd in preparing for the 2025 Palarong Pambansa are vital to ensuring its success. This benefits not only the nation’s sports development but also boosts tourism and the local economy of the host province. (CCMT/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)