THE NATIONAL Capital Region was declared the overall champion in the 63rd Palarong Pambansa held in Marikina City that ended on Saturday, August 5.

The NCR was followed by Region VI (Western Visayas) and Region IV-A (Calabarzon) for the second and third spots, respectively.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte and Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro led the closing ceremonies at the Marikina Sports Center.

Swimming gold medalist Clara Ysabela Delos Santos led the ceremonial extinguishing of the Friendship Cauldron.

Teodoro handed out a special award to Region V (Bicol Region)
for the “Cleanest and Greenest Billeting Camp” and the “Most Beautiful and Best Decorated Billeting Camp” award to
Region XII (SOCCKSARGEN).

“Ipinagdiriwang natin ngayon ang pagtatapos ng ika-animnapu’t tatlong Palarong Pambansa. Naging mahalaga, makabuluhan, at makasaysayan para sa bawat isa,” the mayor said.

“Sa kabila ng malakas at patuloy na pag-ulan nitong mga nakaraang araw, tayo ay nagpatuloy. Anuman ang problema, ipinamalas ang katatagan bilang isang bansa,” he added.

Duterte lauded Teodoro and presented Marikina City a plaque of appreciation for successfully holding the event.

Plaques of appreciation were also given to Deped-Marikina and DepEd-NCR.

Cebu City will be the host for the Palaro 2024, while Palaro 2025 will be hosted by the province of Ilocos Norte.