First Palarong Panlungsod kicks off

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

THE Iloilo City government officially kicked off last August 5, 2018 a sports program for the youth at the La Paz Plaza Covered Gym.

According to Sports and Development Office OIC-head Moises Salomon, Palarong Panlungsod is the local version of the sports program Palarong Pambansa.

“It’s the first time in Iloilo City that we will conduct this Palarong Panlungsod. This is a grassroots program in which gina-budgetan gid sang city para maka-discover man kita another set of potential athletes,” he said.

The Palarong Panlungsod was already implemented practiced in cities like Marikina, Paranaque, Cagayan de Oro and Cebu. It targets the youth 18 years old and below and will include events such as Boxing, Wushu, Karatedo, Futsal, Lawn Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Arnis, Chess, and Table Tennis.

Solomon said the Local Government Code mandates the city government to conduct an annual Palarong Panlungsod that shall feature traditional sports and disciplines included in national and international games, in coordination with the department of education.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III stressed the significance of the program for the youth.

“Gusto gid naton hatagan importansya ang sports kag ina nga paagi ang pag-untat naton sa problema naton sa droga through sports,” he said.

The sports program is in line with Pag-ulikid ni Mayor sa mga Kabataang Atletang Ilonggo Program and is also in preparation for the regional and national meets.

“Ang mga magdalaog sa Arnis, Taekwondo and Karatedo, paintrahun sa Visayas Open and if you will win there, libre imo na travel for national competitions, that is why the first week of August ang most sa events because may upcoming kita nga regional event nga dira naton ibunggo aton mga winners,” Solomon said.

Solomon also revealed that another sports program for drug surrenders, persons with disabilities, and LGBTs will be implemented in August.