President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. encouraged young Filipino student-athletes to dream big, hoping they will become future international stars.
“Ngayong araw, dito sa Palarong Pambansa kayo naman kasali. Sa susunod, kayo na ang kinatawan ng Pilipinas,” Marcos Jr. said during the Palarong Pambansa 2025 opening ceremony at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium in Laoag City on Saturday, May 24.
The President honored Filipino athletes like Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, Nesthy Petecio, EJ Obiena, and Alex Eala as examples of how talent and government support can produce world-class champions.
He pledged full government backing to nurture young athletes through better training, scholarships, health programs, and sports science support.
“Hangga’t sa abot ng aming makakaya, ginagawa po namin ang lahat para matulungan kayong maging mahusay na manlalaro,” according to him.
Marcos Jr. also urged athletes to balance training with education, discipline, and good health, reminding them that true champions are responsible both on and off the field.
“Mag-training araw-araw, mag-aral nang mabuti, sumunod kayo sa inyong mga magulang, at alagaan ninyo ang inyong kalusugan,” he said.
The Palarong Pambansa 2025 in Ilocos Norte features 24 regular sports, including athletics, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, taekwondo, and swimming. Weightlifting debuts as a demonstration sport, while kickboxing, girls’ football, and girls’ futsal are showcased as exhibitions.
The event also highlights inclusivity with a special category for athletes with disabilities, featuring para-athletics, para-swimming, bocce, and goalball.IMT
