Marcos Jr., Diaz attend Palarong Pambansa opening in Laoag

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., along with Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, attended the opening ceremony of the 65th Palarong Pambansa on Saturday at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium in Laoag City.

Marcos pledged full support to Filipino athletes and urged them to give their best, emphasizing that they are already champions for their dedication and skills regardless of whether they win or lose.

The event featured a parade of athletes and performances inspired by local history and culture, including tributes to Ilocano hero Lam-ang and Olympic swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso.

A total of 15,675 delegates from the 18 regions, National Academy of Sports, and Philippine Overseas Schools are participating in the annual competition for grade school and secondary student-athletes, which marks its return to Ilocos Norte after a 57-year absence.

Eleven-year-old baseball record holder Gerick Jhon Flores delivered the Athlete's Oath, while Hidilyn Diaz led the Oath of Coaches and Technical Officials and served as technical director for weightlifting.

This year's Palarong Pambansa features 24 regular sports including athletics, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, taekwondo, swimming, and weightlifting as a demonstration sport.