You’re next in line for Olympics, Asian Games

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says the Palarong Pambansa might produce the next Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, or Carlos Yulo

ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. counts on the chance of the Palarong Pambansa producing the next generation of Filipino champions as he formally opened the annual showdown for the best elementary and high school student-athletes hosted by his home province. 

Marcos vowed the support of the government for sports endeavors in his speech at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium here in Laoag City on Saturday, May 24.

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

(Next time, you’ll be the ones representing the Philippines in the Asian Games in the Olympics, so you have to do well.) 

“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.” 

(Who knows but maybe some of you here will emerge as the next Manny Pacquiao, the next Hidilyn Diaz, the next Carlos Yulo, the next Aira Villegas, the next Nesthy Petecio, the next EJ Obiena, and the next Alex Eala).

The Philippines is enjoying a golden era in sports as evidenced by its performances in the last two Olympics.

Weightlifting heroine Diaz delivered the country its first-ever Olympic gold medal when she reigned supreme in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, with boxers Petecio (silver), Carlo Paalam (silver), and Eumir Marcial (bronze) each adding a medal.

Last year, Carlos Yulo picked up where Diaz left off as he became the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic double gold medalist, ruling the floor exercise and vault in the artistic gymnastics competitions of the Paris Games.

Petecio and Villegas contributed a bronze apiece to boost the Philippines’ finest Olympic campaign. 

“Tulad nila, ipagpatuloy lang ninyo ang inyong pangarap. Mag-training araw-araw, mag-aral nang mabuti, sumunod kayo sa inyong mga magulang, at alagaan ninyo ang inyong kalusugan,” said Marcos. 

(Like them, just continue chasing your dreams. Train every day, study hard, listen to your parents, and take care of your health.) 

“Ang gobyerno ay laging nasa likod ninyo. Tutulungan namin kayong maabot ang inyong mga pangarap dahil ang panalo ninyo ay panalo na rin namin.” 

(The government is always behind you. We’ll help you reach your dreams because your victories are ours as well.) 

Marcos also lauded the Palarong Pambansa participants for pursuing sports despite the challenges that come with juggling academics and athletics. 

“Hindi madali ang inyong pinagdaanan. ‘Yung oras na ipapahinga ninyo na lang dapat ay gagamitin ninyo pa sa practice at training. Mag-aaral sa umaga, tapos ensayo sa hapon, minsan kulang pa sa gamit, kapos sa panggastos, ngunit wala sa inyo ang sumuko,” said Marcos. 

“Araw-araw nagsisikap kayong tumakbo nang mas mabilis, lumangoy nang mas mabilis at mas mahaba, tumalon nang mas mataas, kaya naman kaming lahat, bilib sa inyo, sa inyong galing, sa inyong tibay, at sa inyong dedikasyon. 

(You all work hard every day to run faster, swim faster and farther, run higher, that is why we’re all in awe of you, of your excellence, of your resilience, and of your dedication.)

Over 15,000 delegates from the 20 athletic associations, including the 18 regions, the National Academy of Sports, and the Philippine Overseas Schools, have come together in Ilocos Norte for the week-long competition, with a total of 34 sports to be contested.

The Palarong Pambansa will conclude on May 31. – Rappler.com