TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA) -- Gov. Henry Oaminal started the first One Asenso Misamis Occidental Palaro 2024, which has highlighted the provincial government's goal of uniting all Misamisnons to work as a single team. 

In PALARO's opening ceremony at the Tangub City Global College on February 7, Oaminal underscored the effective participation of all sports stakeholders, such as educators, coaches, trainers, athletes, and local government officials, which has made the event vibrant and successful, particularly with regard to the provincial government's goal of harnessing the full potential of young Misamisnons.

Oaminal said the province is targeting helping its young constituents become more competent, especially in the field of sports. 

"It is worth noting that sports development is at the forefront of the province's development agenda, as illustrated in its 5Ms development thrust of Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon," he said. 

The governor said his administration recognizes the growing contribution of sports as a vital enabler of peace and development in the province. 

"Sports promote tolerance and respect and contribute to the empowerment of women and young people, individuals, and communities, as well as to health and education, which is a tool for the advancement of solidarity and social cohesion,” he emphasized during the Palaro 2024.

Oaminal noted that sports promote health and education, which are vital tools for advancing solidarity and social cohesion.

Oaminal stressed that sports are not just limited to physical activities; they could be someone's recreational space. He said engaging in sports promotes healthy lifestyles, as someone's physical and mental health are also being developed.

"It is a place where individuals can converge to improve their social skills, strengthen cultural values, and adapt to rules. Physical activities improve individual health and well-being, both physically and mentally, and teach important values. However, sports is not just empowering on an individual basis; it also unites and inspires people collectively, which builds communities," Oaminal said. 

Thus, the governor said the province is adamant about putting a premium on sports development. He cited that Misamis Occidental has been lagging behind other provinces in the overall ranking in sports competitions such as the regional meet and the Palarong Pambansa. Hence, he vowed to improve the province's ranking in the national sports arena.

"This provincial meet serves as a turning point in our approach, as it serves as preparation for a stronger Misamis Occidental contingent to the Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) meet and the Palarong Pambansa," he said.

He said the primary objective is to improve the performances of the athletes in various sports events and produce the best athletes by gathering skilled and talented young athletes from the four divisions of the province to work as one Misamis Occidental team. 

"This way, the province can focus its efforts and attention on acquiring more medals for our athletes through a unified sports training and activities program under the guidance of the provincial government," he pointed out.

“We look forward to Misamis Occidental athletes becoming a formidable team that will make our province a home of sports champions and become known to the rest of the country and the world,” the governor said. 

Further, Oaminal extended his gratitude to provincial and municipal officials, the hardworking members of various committees from the four divisions, trainers, coaches, referees, and our athletes from the four competing divisions for making this event possible.

“We appreciate the untiring efforts you have put in at every stage of the preparation and guiding our athletes through it all. Your effort will not end after this event, as we will be hosting the Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association meet next year, and we have also expressed our desire to host the Palarong Pambansa in 2026," he said.

"We still have plenty of work to be done, and your contributions to making us ready to host these big events are of paramount importance," he added. Oaminal expressed hope that the province can achieve greater heights through unity, teamwork, and collaboration. He also encouraged athletes to make the most of this wonderful opportunity to showcase their best athletic talents and spirit of camaraderie.

“In this sense, we can be a source of inspiration in our quest for excellence, not only in sports but in every aspect of our endeavor as One Asenso Misamis Occidental,” he said. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)