IN a significant collaboration, the Department of Education and the Cebu City government have joined forces for the hosting of the 2024 Palarong Pambansa.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio, alongside Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, formalized the partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to ensure meticulous preparation for this year’s Palarong Pambansa. 

The signing ceremony took place at the Community Hall on the 9th floor of the Cebu City Hall Executive Building.

Duterte emphasized the commitment to supporting young athletes, stating, “We affirm our unwavering dedication to strengthening our support for young athletes. Our primary goal is to equip them with the necessary tools to nurture discipline, resilience, and the indomitable spirit required to pursue their athletic passions.” This statement was released in a press release on the DepEd official website.

Cebu City is well-prepared for the occasion, hosting the prestigious annual multi-sporting event for the third time (after 1954 and 1994). Cebu City Sports Commission chairman John Pages expressed anticipation for the event, noting, “We’ve been waiting for 30 years for this moment. 

The Cebu City Sports Center was built 30 years ago, specifically to host Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City.”

Under the terms of the MOA, DepEd will collaborate with Cebu City to ensure security, transportation, communication provisions, and other competition requirements. 

Meanwhile, Cebu City will establish the Local Palaro Executive Committee (LPEC) and Secretariat, and secure funding for the tournament – particularly for the construction and renovation of sports facilities, billeting quarters, and other infrastructural necessities for the Palaro host.

Having been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marikina City hosted the Palarong Pambansa last year. The 2019 edition took place in Davao City for elementary and high school students.