Ilocos Norte to host 65th Palarong Pambansa

Ilocos Norte will host the 65th Palarong Pambansa, returning to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s hometown after 57 years, with events kicking off today at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium in Laoag City.

The National Capital Region aims for its 18th consecutive overall championship, but host Region 1, represented by athletes from Ilocos Norte, has vowed to protect its home turf.

Laoag City Mayor Michael Keon is confident that the Ilocanos will challenge the formidable NCR bets, leveraging the hometown advantage.

Mayor Keon, who is involved in overseeing athlete training and ensuring their needs are met, expressed optimism for the Ilocos Region's medal prospects.

The host region, which finished 15th in the previous Palarong Pambansa held in Cebu, aims to improve its standing with the support of athletes prepared in sports like gymnastics, wushu, wrestling, arnis, taekwondo, futsal, lawn tennis, and athletics.

The Department of Education (DepEd) is ensuring all preparations are in place for the Palaro, particularly at the main venue.