MANILA — The first Palarong Pambansa of the new decade will happen in Metro Manila.
Marikina City was recently named the new host of the annual sports meet among elementary and high school student-athletes after Mamburao, the originally designated host town for 2020, begged off.
Mamburao and the entirety of the Occidental Mindoro province were heavily affected by Typhoon “Tisoy”, which actually made a direct hit in the entire Mindoro Island.
Based on the findings by Occidental Mindoro’s disaster risk management office, the withdrawal of the Palarong Pambansa hosting was suggested.
Education Undersecretary Revsee Escobedo, in a memorandum given to Marikina Schools Division officer-in-charge Sheryll Gayola, confirmed that Marikina will replace Mamburao as the host of next year’s Palaro.
In the said letter, Escobedo, the secretary-general of the meet, was to send a management team to the Marikina Sports Center on Friday to inspect the said venue and some other areas that could host some games.
This will be the first time Marikina City will host Palarong Pambansa, while it will be Metro Manila’s fifth hosting gig but first since 1966. (PNA)
