Marcos opens Palarong Pambansa 2025 in bailiwick Ilocos Norte

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graced the Palarong Pambansa 2025 opening parade, kicking off the country’s most prestigious youth sports tournament in his bailiwick Ilocos Norte.

The opening ceremonies hosted a crowd of athletes, coaches, parents, and supporters at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium in Laoag City on Saturday, May 24.

In his speech, Marcos paid tribute to the hard work and discipline of over 15,000 athletes from the country’s 18 regions competing in this year’s games.

“Kaming lahat bilib sa inyo, sa inyong galing, sa inyong tibay, at sa inyong dedikasyon (We are all in awe of you, your talent, your strength, and your dedication),” he said.

The chief executive also vowed the government’s support for sports in international competitions, citing that a player among the athletes in this year’s competitions might be a future international representative.

“Sa susunod, kayo na ang kinatawan ng Pilipinas sa Asian Games at saka sa Olympics, kaya paghusayan ninyo,” Marcos said.

“Malay natin, dito sa mga kasama natin na ito, mayroon diyan ang lilitaw na Manny Pacquiao, na Hidilyn Diaz, na Carlos Yulo, na Aira Villegas, na Nesthy Petecio, na EJ Obiena, na Alex Eala,” he added, citing well-known bemedalled Filipino Olympians and champions.

[Translation: Next time, you will represent the Philippines in the Asian Games and then in the Olympics, so do your best…Who knows that maybe among our competitors, there will be the next Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, EJ Obiena, Alex Eala.]

The week-long annual Palarong Pambansa will host competitors for 34 sports events and is set to last until May 31.