LAOAG CITY — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz will headline the opening ceremony of the 65th Palarong Pambansa on May 24 at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium.

The annual event, organized by the Department of Education, welcomes 15,675 student-athletes from 17 regions back to President Marcos’s hometown after 57 years. This year’s theme, “Nagkakaisang Kapuluan” (United Archipelago), underscores unity through sports.

President Marcos will officially declare the games open and highlight the vital role of youth and sports in nation-building. Hidilyn Diaz, who won the Philippines’ first Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020, will lead the Oath of Coaches and Technical Officials and serve as technical director for weightlifting, a demonstration sport this year.

The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the vibrant Parade of Athletes along Rizal Street, followed by a cultural program celebrating Ilocos Norte’s heritage, including tributes to local heroes and Olympians.

Baseball standout Gerick Jhon Flores will deliver the Athlete’s Oath, and the ceremonial lighting of the Palaro lightbeam will be led by past champions and Para-athletes.

Singer Angeline Quinto will perform the nationalistic anthems “Ako ay Pilipino” and “Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas.”

The event is hosted by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, led by Governor Matthew Manotoc and Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, in partnership with the local Schools Division.