Albay is 2016 Palarong Pambansa host

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) declared Albay the host of the Palarong Pambansa in 2016.

Photo from PAGCOR | Evans Llona

Albay won over Tuguegarao City, Cagayan–its only competitor for the annual national student games.

Before announcing the results, Education Secretary Armin Luistro asked both provinces to continue supporting the agency’s sports development program. “Sana ipagpatuloy po ninyo ang inyong naka-atas na mga programa para sa sports sa inyong probinsiya at sana makasama pa po kayo ng DepEd at ng PSC doon sa iba pang sports events. Mayroon po tayong Batang Pinoy, Philippine National Games, at iba pang programa.”

The final choice was made based on voting results by the Palarong Pambansa Board, which is chaired by the education Secretary.

“We reviewed the recommendations from the regions and had our own deliberations. We went through billeting, facilities, your presentations, including readiness of our regions, as well as other considerations that are specific to 2016. Ang nanalo po with a very, very slim margin is Albay,” Luistro said.

Before the bidding and official presentations of the two provinces, DepEd and PSC technical officials inspected each venue last June.

PSC Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez presented to the body the rating system used which included international standards, distance from the main complex, power supply, and security, among others.

DepEd’s Schools Sports Events and Activities Unit Head Cesar Abalon reported on the status of the billeting areas, which are evaluated based on the sufficiency of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen areas, and medical provisions.

With a budget of Php 300 million, Albay Governor Joey Salceda assured the Palarong Pambansa Board that Albay has the equipment and resources needed to construct and repair its sports facilities.

Source: www.gov.ph