Palaro 2019

Another Palaro, another… Every time we talk about the Palarong Pambansa, we’re not too sure about what we learn as it has always been the same year in and year out. Not much seems to have changed for the better, with a few exceptions. The annual sports spectacle brought together the top Under 18 (born 2001) and Under 13 (born 2006) student-athletes from across the country and competed in an Olympic-styled games that had Davao spreading its welcome arms and hosting events from downtown Davao all the way to the University of the Philippines Mindanao campus where a brand new sports complex was built (albeit not yet completely finished). An elaborate opening ceremony was held last Sunday with no less than Davaoeño President Rodrigo Duterte delivering a special message for all. Games were played throughout the week with some starting even before Sunday’s formal opening ceremony.

Allow me to share some thoughts on the Palaro, based on what we observed and heard from Palaro participants. For starters, Davao’s infrastructure for sports is good, and how I wish we in Cebu could match up with them. The brand new Davao City UP Sports Complex has an artificial turf for its football field, a rubberized track, a huge grandstand, a multi-purpose gym for indoor sports and a swimming pool. It’s always a joy to watch football being played on a beautiful pitch as you see a game being played literally on a level playing field. Passing is crisp and straight, and you don’t have to worry about those funny bounces or bumpy passes. The field was well-lit for night games, and this made the experience cooler amidst the summer heat. My only concern about the field is why the bleachers were facing the west. One feels like being fried when hit by the sun as the high roof is useless. The swimming pool was just that: a swimming pool per se as its support facilities weren’t finished. I wonder how the President and Mayor Inday Sara reacted when they found out that the sports complex isn’t 100% done. The other facilities were just right for a Palaro. Basketball had enough quality venues for all levels: Elementary, Secondary (boys and girls) and 3X3. The same is true for others sports. This is when you appreciate how bid Davao City is.

Security across all venues was tight and this was just right. Backpacks, wearing of baseball caps and bringing of sharp objects were a no-no. This bleacher bum, a backpack user since he was a kid, wasn’t allowed in a venue and inside a church since he had a backpack on him. But it was something we accepted as this was for the good of all. Moreover, the local officials like the police and traffic enforcers were warm and accommodating. They gave directions, tips and suggestions to make the stay of Palaro visitors a pleasant one. Hotels, pension houses and inns were booked with guests. I assume this includes airnbnb bookings. Taxis, Grab, tricycles and rent-a-car outfits were doing well shuttling Palaro-related visitors to venues, restaurants, malls and places frequented by visitors of Davao. Special mention here is the residence of the President where many have their pictures taken for posting on social media. For those from outside Davao who brought their vehicles, we heard of some interesting “meet-ups” with the local traffic enforcers or police as they were reprimanded for not putting on their seat belts and for speeding. Smokers who are used to smoking anywhere got the shock of their lives when they were “caught” for smoking in public, a big boo-boo here in Davao. I heard they slashed their smoking drastically.

And for the Palaro itself, it comes to no surprise that the sports powers will dominate the event’s medal standings. The National Capital Region, CALABARZON (Region 4-A) and West Visayas (Region 6) are the top three. Region 12 and the CVIRAA round up the top five; we nipped Central Luzon by a single gold medal. This is a welcome development for us after a dismal performance last year. Note that this medal count is as of around 3:00pm yesterday. The usual complaints about officiating, scheduling of games and billeting/accommodations will also be there but the Palaro is the Palaro. We’re just thankful that our country’s top athletes have the chance to compete at the highest level against the best of the best.