QUEZON CITY (PIA) – The 2023 Palarong Pambansa formally opens on Monday, July 31, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President concurrent Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte topping the list as guest of honors attending the opening ceremonies at the Marikina Sports Complex.

After a 3-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 63rd Palarong Pambansa returns with a theme, “Batang Malakas, Bansang Matatag” where 9,000 young athletes from 17 different regions are set to compete in the week-long competitions that will last until August 5, Saturday.

The 2023 Palarong Pambansa features a wide-range of sports disciplines including Archery, Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Billiards, Boxing, Chess, Dance sports, Futsal, Football, Gymnastics, Sepak Takraw, Pencak Silat, Football, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling, and Wushu.

Apart from these, Palarong Pambansa includes first e-sports competition, para games and the return of the Laro ng Lahi or indigeneous Filipino sports as part of its demonstration and exhibition games.

Pres. Marcos highlighted the importance of this kind of sports competition to young athletes aspiring to be future champions.

“And this kind of event, diyan po nagbubunga ang ating nagiging champion, diyan po nanggagaling ang sikat na Pilipino, ‘yan po ang aming inaasahan sa inyo,” during the opening ceremonies.

He also reminded the learner-athletes to value sportsmanship and the memories made during the games.

"It is also my hope that you will enjoy every moment in this competition and make memories during this competition that you will keep close to your heart for the rest of your life," Pres.Marcos said. (PIA-NCR)