Palaro showcases RP culture. SECRETARY LAPUS: GAMES MOLD THE YOUTH

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus Sunday reiterated the value of the Palaro in the development of a holistic person as Mayor Edward Hagedorn of Puerto Princesa said that the Palaro, is the ‘adrenalin’ that further spurs the engine of growth of the city.
Addressing a crowd of about 15,000 people at the opening of the 2008 Palarong Pambansa at the Ramon V. Mitra Memorial Complex, Sec. Lapus stressed that, the Palaro, in molding an athlete to become a better person, is an avenue for the discovery of athletes “who truly represent the admirable and respectable boys and girls and men and women in us.”
Mayor Hagedorn, together with Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes, welcomed more than 8,000 athletes, coaches and officials in a five-hour pageantry that showcased the color and heritage of the 17 regions represented in the annual school-based competition that was capped by a 15-minute fireworks display.
The City Mayor also acknowledged the support of the DepEd, the various committees and organizations that have extended help in ensuring the success of the games as he also underscored the thrust of the city government to make Puerto Princesa the sports tourism capital of the country.
Philippine Sports Commissioner Eric Loretizo, in his speech, expressed that the Palaro is an occasion to celebrate the performance and role of athletes, coaches, officiating personnel and parents as well as the Department of Education and the host government in ensuring the success of the games.
Among the well-applauded contingents in the opening parade were the Santo Niño festival-inspired performance of Central Visayas, the black-and-red clad delegation of Caraga Region, the group from the Cordillera Autonomous Region that showcased the Bontoc tradition and the colorful display of culture and musical instruments of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.