2023 Palarong Panlalawigan Successfully Opens at Pana-ad

March 31, 2023

Archery Development Grassroots Program Opens Also

The Pana-ad Park and Stadium was filled with fun and excitement on Thursday afternoon (March 30, 2023) as the 2023 Palarong Panlalawigan officially kicked off.

This year’s provincial meet theme was “Championing Excellence Through Sports.”

Student-athletes from different district athletic divisions couldn’t help but feel the excitement as the 2023 Palarong Panlalawigan finally opened after more than two years of challenges and restrictions brought by the global COVID-19 pandemic. And as the whole Province of Negros Occidental slowly eases back to the new normal, sports became a global unifier as local government leaders of various LGUs united and stood together to strengthen the relevance of sports in the province.

The opening ceremony was spearheaded by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson and Schools Division Superintendent (Division of Negros Occidental) Mr. Anthony H. Liobet, along with Provincial Sports Office Head Mr. Anthony Carlo Agustin, SGOD/Division Sports Officer Mr. Romeo C. Sison, Jr., Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, Sipalay City Mayor Gina Lizares, Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, La Carlota City Mayor Rex Jalando-on, Victorias City Mayor Javi Benitez, Bago City Mayor Nicolas Yulo, Toboso Mayor Madonnah M. Jaojoco, Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, and Talisay City Vice Mayor Nicholas Jalandoni.

Also in attendance were Bacolod City Councilor Jason Villarosa, Victorias City Councilor Derick Palanca, 3rd District Board Members Manuel Frederick O. Ko and Andrew Gerard L. Montelibano, 4th District Board Members Jose Benito A. Alonso and Andrew Martin Y. Torres, 5th District Board Members Anthony Dennis J. Occeño and Rita Angela S. Gatuslao. Third District Representative Jose Francisco Benitez, 5th District Representative Emilio Bernardino Yulo, and 6th District Representative Mercedes K. Alvarez.

Furthermore, the opening ceremony also showcased a torch and urn lighting and a ceremonial athletic parade that was composed of the First-Sixth District Athletic Association Delegation, the Bacolod City Athletic Delegation, NOPSSCEA Athletic Delegation, Negros Occidental High School Athletic Delegation, ANOPSSAI Athletic Delegation, and the technical officials. Gov. Bong Lacson gave a keynote message and led the releasing of the doves with Mr. Liobet.

Prior to the commencement of the 2023 Palarong Panlalawigan’s opening program, a short ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony took place to mark the inauguration of the Pana-ad Track Oval and the tennis courts. The ceremony was led by Gov. Lacson, Mr. Agustin, and PDO IV-Head SPCD Engr. Jose Maria Amugod.

ARCHERY

In line with the recent sports activities at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium, the 2023 18th Archery Grassroots Development Program Leg 2 also kicked off today (March 31, 2023, Friday).

The tournament was in collaboration with the World Archery Philippines, Inc. (WAP, INC.) and the ABANSE NEGRENSE Sports Programs.

Executive Assistant IV to the Office of the Governor and Provincial Sports Office Head Mr. Anthony Carlo Agustin led the opening ceremony with a welcome address and a ceremonial shoot.

Meanwhile, Gov. Lacson and Mr. Agustin also attended the Boxing Tournament, which was one of the highlights during the 22nd Charter Anniversary and Himaya Festival of the City of Himamaylan on March 29, 2023. The activity was a collaboration between Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson and the ABANSE NEGRENSE Sports Programs.* (PSO)