Over 500 student – athletes in the Cordillera start their medal quest as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz grace the opening ceremony of the 65th Palarong Pambansa on Saturday at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium (FEMMS) in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
As hostilities in the annual national sports meet with 15,675 delegates from 17 regions seeing action in the weeklong competition for grade school and secondary student-athletes, Department of Education – Cordillera regional director Estela Leon – Carino is looking forward to an improved over-all standing and hope to replicate its fourth place finish a few years back.
“As the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) proudly competes in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, we bring more than athletic skill—we bring the unbreakable spirit of our learner-athletes. Each one represents the pride of our region, grounded in grit, discipline, and heart,” added Carino.
Last year, the CARAA delegates took home 11 golds, 8 silvers, and 18 bronze medals and finished 13th in the over-all team standings.
“But beyond the podium medals, it was their perseverance and dedication that truly inspired us. This year, we return stronger, supported by enhanced training programs, intensified athlete development, and the unwavering commitment of our coaches, schools, and local government units. We move forward with confidence,” Carino said.
CARAA has yet to replicate its fourth – place finish in 2015 following a stellar fifth place finish in 2014. However, from 2017 to 2019, Cordillera has finished 6th, 5th, and 9th including in 2023 when the games resumed following a two-year hiatus due to Covid – 19 pandemic.
“The 2025 Palarong Pambansa marks a new chapter in our ongoing story—a chance to showcase not only our skill but our spirit. Begin strong, finish stronger. To our athletes, wear your colors with pride, compete with courage and honor. You carry with you the hopes of a region that believes in you,” Carino said.
The opening ceremony will begin with the “Parada ng mga Atleta” (Parade of Athletes) at 5 p.m., showcasing regional delegations and led by vibrant drum and lyre corps and spirited student cheer squads along Rizal Street and Sirib Mile.
The program proper will start with “Palakasan (Sports): Tales of Filipino Strength,” featuring performances inspired by Ilocano hero Lam-ang, the 1807 Basi Revolt, which stemmed from the Spanish colonial government’s monopoly over the production and sale of the traditional Ilokano sugarcane wine; and the legacy of Ilocano Olympian in swimming Teofilo Yldefonso, paying tribute to Ilocos Norte’s rich cultural roots and its enduring values of courage, resilience and bayanihan (cooperation). Roderick Osis
