DavNor makes case to host 2015 Palaro

HOPEFUL. Davao del Norte Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio is positive that Palarong Pambansa 2015 will be happening in their province. Photo by Maan Tengco/Rappler

LAGUNA, Philippines—One hour after the grand opening of the country’s biggest sporting event, Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio of Davao del Norte said in a press conference that he is certain that his province will host the 2015 Palarong Pambansa. 

 

After attending the opening rites of this year’s Palaro on May 5, the administrators of Davao del Norte drove immediately to Isdaan Restaurant in Calauan, Laguna to meet the media to express their intent to host next year Palaro. 

 

“Lahat ng kailangan para sa pag ho-host ng Palaro ay nasa amin na kaya sa tingin ko na ready na ang Davao del Norte para dito,” said Suaybaguio.

 

(We can provide all the things needed for Palarong Pambansa. I can say that Davao del Norte is ready to host Palaro.)

 

Suaybaguio was referring to the newly constructed facility, the multi-million peso Davao del Norte Sports and Cultural Center.

Will they be able to host the 2015 Palarong Pambansa?

“We are ready”

Provincial Sports Coordinator Giovanni Gulanes said that they are ready to accommodate more than 10,000 delegates from 17 regions. 

 

Aside from their newly constructed sports complex, Gulanes assures that they can give better accommodation for athletes and sports official.

 

“Sa tingin ko more than ready na kami para sa ganitong kalaking event. May mga schools kami na malapit sa sports complex at may mga hotels din na kayang i-accomodate ang libo-libong delegado ng Palaro,” shared Gulanes.

 

(I think we are more than ready for an event like this. We have schools which are close to sports complex and can house thousands of athletes.)

 

When Vice Governor Suaybaguio was asked if he knew of the other provinces who also bid to host the Palaro 2015, he jokingly said, “Wala akong alam kasi ang alam ko Davao del Norte na ang mag ho-host ng Palaro.”

 

(I don’t know any but one thing is for sure Davao will host the 2015 Palaro.)

 

Davao del Norte is just one among five provinces who submitted their proposal to the Department of Education (DepEd). Some of the provinces who also bid to host the Palaro are the City of Koronadal in South Cotabato and Pagadian City, Zambaonga del Sur.

 

“I think if Palarong Pambansa will happen in Davao del Norte, athletes will experience a world class sports complex with a state-of-the-art track and field,” said Gulanes. 

 

When Vice Governor Suaybaguio was asked about the advantage of holding Palaro 2015 in Davao del Norte, he said “One of the advantages is holding almost all the sports events in one sports complex without the hassle of transferring to other places.”

 

Promote tourism and boost economy

 

According to Vice Governor Suaybaguio if the Palaro will be held in their province next year, it would be a great help in promoting tourism.

 

“Marami kasing mga tourist spots sa Davao at kapag sa amin ginawa ang Palarong Pambansa ay malaki ang maitutulong nito para mapakilala pa namin lalo kung anu-ano ang mga puwedeng puntahan at gawin sa aming probinsiya,” shared Suaybaguio. 

 

(There are a lot of tourist spots in Davao and if Palarong Pambansa will happen in our province, this can help us in promoting our tourism. This is by introducing different places that are best to visit and the things that can be done in our province.)

 

Aside from tourism, hosting of Palarong Pambansa will also help the province in boosting its economy.

“By inviting more people to the province, it could enhance economic activity. By this, people will be spending money during their stay in our province,” said Gulanes.

 

Gulanes also added that he is sure that people who will be visiting their place during Palaro will see their place as a good venue for investment and a good place to start up a business. 

 

Selection process

 

The following are the criteria for the selection of venue for the Palarong Pambansa (source: DepEd website)

• Sports facilities must be of international standards and should be well-secured but must be accessible to the general public
• Billeting areas for athletes and sports officials should be convenient and adequate
• Sports facilities and billeting areas should have adequate water and electricity supply
• Should have medical/dental clinics and access to transportation and communication
• Billeting areas and sports facilities must ensure peace and order
• The host local government should be willing to shoulder expenses for construction/renovation of sports facilities and billeting requirements
• Socio-economic-political groups, government and non-government organizations should have manifesting unity to have a successful Palarong Pambansa.

The selection process of the DepEd usually takes 1 ½ month. This includes sending of invites, submission of proposals, and evaluation of bids and announcement of the chosen venue. 

Source: Rappler.com