LAOAG CITY, MAY 24, 2025 – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially declared early evening the opening of the 65th Palarong Pambansa at the FEM Memorial Stadium amidst the heat index of about 45°Celsius at noontime and early afternoon that has lingered for days here.
“Higit sa pagkapanalo, mas mahalagang matutunan ninyo ang disiplina, ang halaga ng pakikipagkaibigan at mag-enjoy naman sa inyong favorite sport, manalo man o matalo. Tandaan ninyo, ang taong lumalaban ay hindi natatalo,” the president exhorted the athletes.
With the theme “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan,” (United Archipelago) the Palarong Pambansa 2025 features 24 regular sports events, including athletics, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, taekwondo and swimming.
Weightlifting will be introduced as a demonstration sport, while kickboxing, girls’ football and girls’ futsal will be held as exhibition games.
A special category for athletes with disabilities also highlights events in para-athletics, para-swimming, bocce and goalball.
Around 15,000 delegates from 20 athletic associations, including the country’s 18 regions, the National Academy of Sports and Philippine Overseas Schools, will participate from May 25 to 30. (with Ruth Abby Gita-Carlos)
