Pres Marcos Jr. opens Palarong Pambansa, vows support for athletes

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially opened the 65th Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, pledging full government support for Filipino athletes.

He encouraged student-athletes to perform their best and highlighted them as role models for the youth.

Marcos assured athletes that the government will always have their back and help them reach their dreams, emphasizing that their victories are shared by the nation.

The President also stated that participants are already considered champions due to their dedication and skills, regardless of the outcome.

He expressed hope that these student-athletes may become the next representatives of the Philippines in international sporting events like the Asian Games and the Olympics.

The 2025 Palarong Pambansa, which will run until May 31, includes 15,000 delegates from the country's 18 regions, the National Academy of Sports, and Philippine Overseas Schools.