Bicol eyes at least 5th spot in Palarong Pambansa

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Education in Bicol (DepEd-5) is gearing up for the Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte on May 24 to June 2, eyeing to secure no lower than fifth place in the national games for grade school and secondary athletes.

In an interview on Friday, DepEd-5 Director Gilbert Sadsad said their main goal is to at least improve on their 10th-place finish last year.

“We previously reached seventh place, but we suddenly fell. Now, we want to reach the fifth place. It’s an ambitious goal, but hopefully, we can achieve it,” Sadsad said.

He assured that preparations and training sessions will not be affected by the May 12 elections.

“The election has reduced the number of training and preparation days. A week before the elections, no activities will be conducted since many teachers involved in Palarong Pambansa will be serving in both the national and local elections,” Sadsad said.

“However, for events that are not affected, we have division in-house training, where athletes can continue their trainings in their respective divisions.”

He also reminded coaches, officials, and athletes about the importance of discipline.

“If you want to succeed, you need discipline before skills because if you are disciplined, all your skills will improve. That is what we want to develop among our athletes,” he said.

During a press conference Friday, DepEd Regional Sports Officer Francisco Dexter Sison assured their athletes that all training equipment passed national standards.

“Our goal is to surpass or at least match our medal count from last year. If we can win more, that would be even better. But rest assured, we are doing everything we can to achieve it,” Sison said.

The National Capital Region emerged overall champion anew in the Cebu City meet last year, hauling 98 gold, 66 silver and 74 bronze medals.

Bicol wound up with 14-15-20.

Sison said they are profiling athletes going to the Palaro.

“The challenge is that some of last year’s gold medalists have either graduated or are now in Grade 7 which realistically cannot compete against senior high school athletes. We are working hard to prepare our athletes for the competition,” Sison added.

Sadsad said the ongoing Palarong Bicol here has been a success so far. The regional games started on March 22 and will conclude on March 29.

“There were minor issues, but they were addressed. Overall, the conduct of Palarong Bicol 2025 was awesome, especially the opening ceremony, which was well-prepared by Legazpi City,” Sadsad said. (With reports from Lily Nocomora and Princess Lorraine Atule, OJTs/PNA)

TOUGH MEET. Department of Education in Bicol Director Gilbert Sadsad (center) and other officials answer questions during a press conference at Albay Central School in Legazpi City on Friday (March 28, 2025). Deped-5 has started its preparations for the Palarong Pambansa slated in Ilocos Norte May 24 to June 2. (PNA photo by Princess Atule, OJT)