Palaro to advance peace in Mindanao

DAVAO DEL NORTE: The Palarong Pambansa 2015 will showcase sports as a universal language that has the power to break down barriers, unite people and foster peace.

The Organizing Committee of the event unanimously approved on Tuesday the peace-themed official logo of the Philippine National Games, with the slogan, “Sports: Breaking Borders, Building Peace.”

Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, Chair of the Palaro Executive Committee, revealed the body chose peace as the main theme of the games, since it has always been the perpetual issue in the Mindanao region.

He said the Committee drew on the inimitable power of sports in promoting the ideals of harmony, brotherhood, solidarity and tolerance.

“Through this year’s Palarong Pambansa, we will show to the world how sports could be a powerful tool in achieving peace,” del Rosario said.

In a separate engagement, the governor hailed the sporting event as a golden opportunity for the people of Mindanao to pull together as one in rallying behind the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

“This Palaro will not only glorify sports but will unify all Mindanaoans in rallying the support of the whole country for the passage of the BBL. So we can finally attain the elusive peace in the island,” he said.

The official logo depicts the dominant image of an artistic dove that carries with it an olive branch having 17 leaves representing the regions of the country.

Three flaming tails of the dove stand for the tri-people diversity of the Palaro delegations, emblazoned with elaborate designs of the Muslim artwork okir, fishes that portray Christianity and the beadworks of the indigenous people.

Literally underscoring the logo is the banana leaf that aptly represents Davao del Norte, as the ‘Banana Capital’ of the Philippines.

Del Rosario bared the banana also embodies the resilience of the Dabaonon people, who have constantly emerged stronger and better from natural calamities, “just like the ever-enduring banana plant.”

PNA