TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA) -- At least 5,000 student-athletes have participated in the recently concluded Asenso Misocc Palaro 2024.
The Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, along with four Department of Education (DepEd)-Schools Divisions in the province, successfully commenced the sports event on February 7 at the Tangub City Sports Complex.
The participants, composed of young athletes, coaches, technical officials, heads of athletic delegations, division personnel, and local government officials, joined the parade during the ceremonial opening, with Philippine Sports Commissioner Walter Francis Torres, on behalf of PSA chairperson Richard Bachmann, gracing the event.
Tangub Mayor Ben Canama warmly welcomed all delegations from the different towns. He expressed his gratitude for having the privilege of hosting the Palaro this year.
Speaking on behalf of the PSC board, Commissioner Torres underscored that such an event unleashed the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and excellence among stakeholders in the sport industry.
Torres said the dedication and passion portrayed by all the stakeholders are truly inspiring.
Gov. Henry Oaminal said the sports event would showcase the province’s talented residents.
He also stressed that sports development is a crucial part of the province's 5Ms development thrust in Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon, ug Malipayon.
By investing in sports development, Oaminal said the province aims to harness the full potential of every young Misamisnon and advance further in sports competition.
Oaminal said the main event’s goal, which will run until February 11, is to produce the best athletes from the province that can compete in a larger sports arena. The provincial government would also like to invest in the establishment of One Misamis Occidental Team.
Dr. Arturo Bayocot, regional director of the Department of Education (DepEd)-10, said the Asenso Misocc Palaro 2024 will serve as a stepping stone for young athletes to become globally competitive in terms of sports.
Such an event, he added, would teach students to become more disciplined and enhance their camaraderie as well as adaptability.
Bayocot encouraged all participants to exert their best in every event they will be attending.
Athletes who win in the province-wide meet will represent Misamis Occidental in the upcoming Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association meet in May 2024 in Camiguin and will be competing with other provinces in the region.
Sports development is one of the provincial government’s top priority programs. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
