The Torch-Palarong Pambansa 2018-Issue No. 2

Volume 1, Number 2 | April 16, 2018| Ilocos Sur

BANTAY, ILOCOS SUR- President Rodrigo Roa serves as a training ground for future Palarong Pambansa
Duterte led the opening of Palarong leaders and nation builders whose 2018 commences
Pambansa 2018 and encouraged the Palaro values and principles are founded on
athletes to embody values and enhance perseverance, discipline, teamwork, Palarong Pambansa 2018 formally
skills in their games for they have significant integrity, and love of country. kicked off with a showcase of grand parade,
roles in nation building, April 15. cultural presentations and sky diving also
Moreover, Duterte asked the graced by sports and music celebrities with
“Sports serve as an avenue to athletes to strive hard in their studies as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as the guest
divert the youth from illegal drugs, they improve their skills in sports. He also of honor and speaker, Quirino Stadium,
criminality, and other lawless acts. We, in said that parents’ support towards their Bantay, Ilocos Sur, April 15.
the government continue our campaign to children has a big impact in their total
eradicate these social ills to ensure a safe development. With more than 15,000 delegates
and progressive tomorrow for you and the from the 17 regions of the archipelago, DepEd
next generations,” The President stressed in Further, Duterte thanked Gov. Secretary Leonor M. Briones emphasized
his keynote address. Singson and the entire Heritage Province the role of sports in boosting the morale of
of Ilocos Sur for hosting this year’s Palaro the new generation for they are expected
Duterte also emphasized that the and congratulated the student-athletes to be the allies in the progress of the country.
Palarong Pambansa which is considered as for being a part of this event which is a
the Philippines’ biggest sporting event strong proof that they are already In the opening ceremony, Bituin C.
winners and champions. (Peter V. Gadia Jr.) Escalante led the singing of the Philippine
National Anthem. Meanwhile, Lydia de Vega,
ASEAN and Philippine World Heritage Sites Mobile Exhibition the Sprint Queen of Asia, represented by her
daughter Stephenie, was awarded the
Gov. Ryan cuts the ribbon to open heritage site exhibition Palarong Pambansa Lifetime Achievement
Award.
Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson The said event is one of the series of
assisted by DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones mobile exhibits and forums in celebration “Pursue your goals with courage
and Region I Director Alma Ruby Torio led of the 50th anniversary of t h e and passion. It is not bad to dream just
in the cutting of the Association of Southeast establishment of the ASEAN. (Marvin make sure you live in reality as you take
Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Philippine World Q. Tacal) steps in making your goal a reality,” Ilocos
Heritage Sites Mobile Exhibition Sur Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson said
as he inspired the athletes to soar to
Ribbon Cutting at the Vigan greater heights.

Convention Center, April 15. The opening program ended with
a grand fireworks display and the start of
In his short speech, Singson said a week-long battle of wit and might.
(Jocelyn D. Sabrido)
that the Province is delighted to host

this mobile exhibit in partnership

with the DepEd and the National

Commission for Culture and the Arts

(NCCA).

The exhibit shows the

convergence of the ten ASEAN

countries in promoting awareness on REACHING OUT. Gov. Ryan Luis V. Singson shows DepEd
ASEAN and advocating the protection Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones some framed photos

of the Philippine World Heritage Site. of Palarong Pambansa gold medalists.

2

GRATEFUL. Gov. Singson reiterates his gratitude to all the PSC holds sports
prime movers of the Palarong Pambansa 2018 and warmly journalism seminar
welcomes the guests to their weeklong stay in the province.

Ilocanos’ pride highlights Governor’s Night CAOAYAN, ILOCOS SUR—The
Philippine Sports Commission
To showcase the hospitality, warm up to this time. He stressed that the preparation (PSC) conducted a sports
accommodation and best of the bests that the was so tough since the event is simultaneous to journalism seminar to provide
Ilocanos could offer during the stay of the VIPs the 200th year founding anniversary of the basic sports journalism lessons to
and delegations in this gigantic sports province but everything still went well. He also the future sports media
competition in the country, the Palarong led the friendship toast as a symbol of his earnest practitioners, NSCC Hotel, April 13-
Pambansa 2018 Governor’s Night was held at welcome to all the delegations. 14.
Vigan Convention Center, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur,
April 15. The occasion was attended by DepEd About 300 budding
Officials, VIP Secretariat, Palaro Committee, journalists from different regions
Highlighted with the display of Ilocanos’ Philippine Sports Commission, DILG, Provincial gathered at the said venue in
pride, the gathering was graced with the and Local Officials, Accredited and Local Media, preparation for the coverage of this
launching and unveiling of sports personalized DepEd Partners and Sports Celebrities Onyok year’s Palarong Pambansa.
stamps, exhibiting of culture and arts where San Velasco, Efren “Bata” Reyes, Heidilyn Diaz, Elma
Emilio National High School rendered an ethnic Muros-Posadas, Eric Buhain, Eugene Torre, The PSC endeavored to
dance and parading of Abel Iloko casual and Paeng Nepomuceno among others. It ended provide the said seminar without
formal attire which is one of the main products with a fellowship dinner. registration fees, with free meals
of the province. Ryan’s Angels and a performing and materials provided for the two-
band also entertained the guest. Meanwhile, Mayor’s Night was also day event.
conducted in all the billeting quarters set on
During his speech, Governor Ryan Luis different dates. The celebrations were also PSC in partnership with the
V. Singson expressed his heartfelt thanks to all highlighted by solidarity messages, Department of Education (DepEd)
the people and members of the working entertainment numbers, and bountiful invited a group of media
committee of the Palaro since the preparation banquets. (Mark E. Manzano) practitioners and known personalities
to discuss about writing for sports.
Sports News Writing, Sports Feature
Writing, Sports Page Layouting were
some of the topics presented.

“As a participant, I can say that
this seminar is really helpful. I learned a
lot of things, particularly in writing. It
was a good experience,” said Edjean
Corpuz.

The participants are expected to
cover the different events of the 2018
Palarong Pambansa. (Marvin Q. Tacal
and Cheena Brea Nartatez)

Sec. Briones opens SHS exhibit

Narvacan, Ilocos Sur — Palarong paintings and
Pambansa is not only about sporting
events but also showcasing the best photographs of the 14
practices and products of different
schools. divisions of Region 10

Leonor M. Briones, Department including also its billeting
of Education Secretary led the ribbon
cutting that kicks off the Senior High school, the NNCHS.
School Exhibit initiated by the Northern
Mindanao Regional Athletic Association In addition, best
(NAMRAA) at Narvacan National Central
High School (NNCHS), April 15 morning. practices are also

Atty. Revsee A. Escobedo, showcased by each
Assistant Secretary for Procurement and
Annalyn M. Sevilla, Undersecretary for division thru video
Finance Budget and Monitoring, were also
present to grace the event. presentations shown in Participants to the 2018 Sports Journalism for the Youth receive
their respective booths. Certificate of Participation during their ‘graduation’ on April 14 at NSCC
The SHS exhibit displays the Hotel, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. (Photo by Marvin Q. Tacal)
products on pastries, woodcraft, shielded Dr. Allan Farnazo,
metal-arc welding, foods and beverages,
Region 10 DepEd to showcase the creativity, music and

Director, said that they started holding culture of various regions; and to show

exhibit during last year ’s Palarong administrative and management capacity.

Pambansa in Antique. Aside from the opening of the SHS

Meanwhile, Secretary Briones Exhibit, Secretary Briones and the other

said in her speech that Palarong Pambansa officials attended the Pamahaw sa Diyes

has three objectives which are to produce hosted by NAMRAA. (Maria Concepcion A.

greatest sport personalities in our country; Iglesias)

3 THE PALARO TORCH

Sports Enthusiast’s Way Editorial Board

Coordination and sportsmanship. failures which boost their souls to push it Editor-in-Chief
These are the spirits of a genuine athlete. A harder. Lydia T. Liclican
fighter is equipped not only with skills but with Associate Editor
the undying heart of good discipline and Being an athlete is a pleasure and a Maria Concepcion A. Iglesias
camaraderie. responsibility as well. It is an outstanding Feature Editors
passion displaying mere excitement and pure Maria Novena A. Sarmiento, Frances
Sports events showcase war rapture to everyone. It aims not only to Jocelle Singson, Jenny Rose Arenas
between the skills of every athlete, to be the entertain viewers but mainly to inspire, to give News Editors
best among the best, to display the skills we hope, to influence and partake happiness. The Mark Manzano, Saniata M. Piano, Edlyn
have got, parade our techniques to crush the athlete’s way shows a serious and noble Arranz, Susana Vicerra, Irene Javillonar
obstacles to grab the light in attaining glory. portrait of teaching not only for fellow athletes Sports Editors
but for all kind of people. Edward Antonio, Daniel Cuenca Jr.,
Skills are not enough to beleaguer Marvin Tacal, Aniceto Pagaling Jr.,
the hindrances and backfires victory. One must Not all battles of war have victors. Thomas Sumbad, Pablo Tabin, Jr.
possess the essence of teamwork. Learning to There is no winner if there is no loser. Giving Field Writers
cooperate with others towards a common goal respect to your rivals is one of the essential Marvin Inay, Rose Joy Lagmay, Imelda
that builds character, friendship and important things rather than winning. Furthermore, if a Peña, Pauline Arucan, Jocelyn Sabrido,
skills for every team player. Like a soldier, who soldier falls to the ground, he will rise again Karrina June Panelo, Augie Boy
cannot kill a giant alone, he must obtain the and draw the blood of a berserker for another Lorenzana, Arlyn Bautista, April Bobiles,
help of his mighty company to unite as one battle. Kizzel Mina, Jean Ishrael Dulay, Antonio
and weaponize as a big sword to slash Regunton, Jhoana Lyn Andres, Irene
cheating. However, it is not just for fun. Being Balasan, Ria Samelin, Mary Joy Ligayo,
a true athlete who reckons his responsibilities Richard Moreno, Mary Joy Lardizabal
In excavating the road towards also educate and partake morals, principles to Julius Antonio, Sharon Castillo, Paul
triumph, an athlete must forge his own road, avid fans, viewers and believers. Francis Banatin, Marjorie Quijano, Mary
a path he struts his own strengths, extremes Joy Aubrey Utrera, Liezl Heraña, Leah
and powers. A way bit by bit formed by pure A real sports warrior battles not only Montilla, Arlene Ragunjan,Gerlie dela
patience, discipline and undying with his body but with the ones fuelling it, the Rosa, Jennifer Requilman, Joseph Dulatre,
determination that penetrate true spirit of heart and the mind of a soldier. So are you Flordelina Lascota, Jasmin M. Abella,
sportsmanship and camaraderie. A road of ready to devour this art of war? Do you have Jennie Savellano, Joselito Leal, Ferdinand
their own that reflects their victories and the guts to be a soldier - the sports enthusiast’s Legaspi, Lorna Halabaso, Fahd Agbulos,
way? Grace Garcia, Jennifer Savellano, Michelle
Vilog, Neil Kim Collado, Kristy Ann
Sports: Mechanism for Youth Diversity Guerero, Jeric Aren Dedicatoria, Shirley
Daño, Elvie Ribuyaco, Aileen Anselmo,
Haft a century ago, physical winners or losers, the most important Allen Abo, Delfin Irorita, Avelyn Joyce
recreations for the youth were just simple Flores,Lorena Cabanit, Erika Karen
and mainly played on the streets. These thing is the unparalled positive impacts Eleccion, Karen De Leon
are: patintero, luksong-lubid/baka, Photojournalists
shatong, langit-lupa and tumbang preso. that improve their life-long skills. Manuel Zacarias, Claire Tagasa, Charles
Bernal, Paul Benedict Yacap, Juan Carlos
As decades passed, basketball, In prestigious sports Iglesias, Winette Sanidad, Aubrey
boxing, football and car racing bacame Somera, Dharen-Jake Garcia, Allen
popular among the youth. competitions like the Palarong Pambansa, Bolesa, Kenneth Raguindin, Darwin
Mendoza, Arnel Bacnis, Nathaniel
The continuing enthusiasm and there are 21 sports events, which make it Santella, Peter Gadia, Jr., Reymund
participation of the young people in the Jimenez, Marilyn Raciles
field of sports have been a great help in possible for the promising young athletes Layout Artists
making them well- rounded citizens. It’s Mark Lovis Galanga, Myrone Troy
not just about the competition, but to hone their skills and give them more Dulatre, Joemar Regua, Ade John Gestole,
gaining friends, learning the values of Abihail Agcaoili, Annaliza Gray
teamwork, perseverance and respect. opportunities to be discovered and Circulation Managers/Encoders
Giovani Ulanimo, Melinda Revibes,
Development of the physical, represent the country. This is a far cry Maribeth Bista, Rodelyn Lazo,
social and mental faculties of the youth Lovella Cubangbang
create a long-term effects in their lives from the usual seven sports events that Ruth Miranda, Marilou Rialubin,
especially for those who have made it as Rhoda Mae Aguimbag
t h e i r ca re e r. W h e t h e r e m e rg i n g as Filipino play: basketball, Medal Tallyists
Leilani Navarro and Lamberto Rosario
boxing, badminton, volleyball,
Asst. Adviser
football, billiards and tennis. Mr. Marlon G. Taloza

With all the positive benefits that Adviser
Dr. Maria Salome R. Abero
a pupil or student could derive in
Consultants
engaging and joining in sports Dr. Arnel C. Doctolero
Ms. Gemma Q. Tacuycuy, CESO V
competitions, truly sports has Dr. Alma Ruby C. Torio, CESO III

championed the spirit of the young

Filipino athletes.

Republic of the Philippin es
Malacanang Palace

Manila

Message

Republic of the Philippin es
Departmen t of Education

Office of the Secretary

Message

I would like to extend my warmest greetings to the officials,
coaches, organizers, and athletes of the 2018 Palarong
Pambansa hosted by the Province of Ilocos Sur.

The Department of Education (DepEd) promotes
physical education and school sports as integral part of our
basic education for the youth to become holistically
developed. Our flagship sports program, the Palarong
Pambansa, does not only identify and train future athletes
who will represent and bring honor to our country in
international competitions, but more importantly, it
inculcates the spirit of discipline, teamwork, excellence, fair
play, solidarity, and sportsmanship.

I personally believe that it is important for our
learners to be provided an opportunity and access to
programs on sports development. Not only does it empower
them but it also motivates them to keep their whole being
physically active, emotionally balanced, mentally sound and
socially engaged.

Coinciding with Ilocos Sur ’s 200th founding
anniversary, this year’s Palaro is truly another milestone in
the life of our young athletes as they showcase their physical
prowess in different disciplines in a province rich in culture
and history. Moreover, the state-of the-art facilities confirm
the local government commitment in providing sports
opportunities to bolster the Filipino youth’s overall wellness.

Congratulations and have a successful Palaro!
Mabuhay tayong lahat!

LEONOR MAGTOLIS BRIONES

Secretary

6

Everyone has the capacity to succeed, but not everyone

starts to thrive at a tender age.

Most children at their pre-adolescence stage spend their time playing with friends, posting

and watching videos in Youtube, and indulging themselves in online games and social media, but

one girl stood to be different.

The youngest among the siblings of three, Princes Sherly R. Valdez, whose parents

taught her how to speak Iloco. Her heart is filled with hope of finishing her education and competing

in the sports she loves most and at the same time, eversince she was eight years old.

She has brought honor to their school, New Isabela Central Elementary School, Tacurong

City and especially to Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) when she impressively won Gold Medal during

the 2018 Palarong Pambansa in Arnis-Elementary Girls.

Let us lift the pages of the book of her life and take a glimps of the challenges she went through

Palaro Torch: What is the greatest achievement you have done so far? para sa akin. Magaan po sa pakiramdam. (Sometimes I also play with my

Princes: Yun pong pagkapanalo ko sa 2017 Palarong Pambansa po. siblings and friends. I also find with friends in FB. I’m enjoying what I’m

(Winning in the 2017 Palarong Pambansa.) doing so and it makes me feel really relaxed.)

Palaro Torch: Can you tell us something about your training? PalaroTorch: Who inspired and encouraged you to join Arnis?

Princes: Nagsasanay po ako halos araw-araw pagkatapos ng klase. Mga Princes: Sir Nomer po, my coach at ang mama ko po. (My coach Sir

apat na oras po katagal. (I trained almost every after classes for four Nomer and mother.)

hours.) Palaro Torch: What is your advice to young boys and girls like you?

Palaro Torch: Do you still find time playing with your siblings and your Princes: Sundin ang payo ng mga magulang, maging responsible

friends? at pumili ng sports na mag- eenjoy kayo para makatulong sa

Princes: Minsanponaglalarokami,nagtatawananatnagFFBrin.Peroito pamilya. (Be obedient, responsible and choose a sports that you

po ang pinili ko. Nag-eenjoy po ako sa ginagawa ko. Higit pa po ito sa laro will enjoy)

Surely, gold is not far behind from this virtuous girl with a determined heart to chart her future.
(by Maria Novena A. Sarmiento)

Our world is likened to a school with the guidance of their Syndrome shouldn’t be caged in not only in the Central Visayas region
canvas, where perfection is expected teacher. They are earning everyday a portrait of small chin, slanted eyes, but in the national arena as well.
to be painted as a portrait of an with the amount for their labor in the poor muscle tone, a flat nasal bridge, (Arlene Ariate Ragunjan, Joanna Lyn
attractive face. With eye-catching canteen and garden which are a single crease of the palm, and a Pagador-Andres and Marisol Sebuco)
features. However, a real artist deposited in their bank account,” protruding tongue. They can still live a
knows how to compliment colors Annabella P. Eva, one of her teachers, normal life, excel in what they love to
despite of imperfections. said. do, inspire and touch lives of many.
Like normal kids, AC has also love for
In the real scenario of life, sports. She is well-known for her skill Exceptionalities like Down
Angelie Christine “AC” Montenegro in a ball sport called Bocce. Syndrome didn’t put AC down. It led
has been painted by God with a her up. AC’s colorful wings are spread
glorious qualities of a promising “Being a child with Down
athlete, which coach Merwin V. Syndrome and having a mental age of “AC” receives moral support from her two coaches.
Pomada has seen behind the a three- or four-year-old according to
unconventional looks of a 21 year-old psychological test, AC has shown
lady. dedication in her sport,” her coach
said.
This Bocce player is from
Bayawan City East Central School AC has won a number of
Special Education Center in Negros medals in her sport and has also
Oriental. gained many experiences and travels
one would really hope to have for
In school, she is active in themselves. She had travelled to
many activities and shows confidence Laguna for her first Palarong
in performing tasks. Under the Pambansa exposure in 2014.
transition program, AC and her
classmates are taught with basic skills When asked about her
in reading and writing as well as weapon in winning, she looked at us
technical-vocational skills. with a happy face and said “Pray”.
Even people with special needs
“As of today, AC, together believe in the power of prayer.
with her classmates, is running the
SPED canteen and organic garden in Truly, this brave girl is a living
proof that children with Down

7

Despite Palarong Pambansa is real! their lifetime. This builds up their provision for him to embrace this
being the “It takes a bucket of powerful and healthy teamwork opportunity in Palarong
neophytes except chemistry. Pambansa. His salary as a teacher
just one for his sweat and blood to step up to can’t be stretched for satisfying
second time in Palarong Pambansa,” Region V “These boys have needs and wants for the whole
this huge event, Bicol Vulcans Basketball Team undergone through hardships and team since he has also his own
they are solidly Coach Nuki Sabio, Senior High sacrifices I was pitiful about. family to support. For him to join
strong-minded School Teacher of Ateneo de Naga, During our series of practice in the PALARONG PAMBANSA could
considering this said when asked about their Naga, they have to travel for 3-4 literally mean a long distance to
to be a great experience for the said event hours from Albay and take, a larger amount to spend.
opportunity and gasping and profusely sweating Catanduanes to get there. They Accordingly, the hassle it brought
experience for from the intense try out at San were so badly homesick and that about has been paid off with
their lifetime. Juan Gymnasium, San Juan, Ilocos really affects their performance so boundless fulfilment that gives
This builds up Sur. I was so worried,” Coach Sabio essence to their passion for
their powerful added with a precise face for his basketball.
and healthy The Bicol Vulcans emotion.
teamwork Secondary Basketball Boys team, “I need to have a part-
chemistry. erupted determination, patience, However, being so eager time job; so, I am into online
passion and perseverance to take to prove something, the team business as a graphic artist. With
all the challenges that may come always give their all during the this I have something to pull out
across on their way to this far. practice. Indeed, they are quite for my expenses. And it is this
Happiness to taste the rare disturbed about the matter of event that brought us here in the
availability of experience in this height difference from their Heritage Province of Ilocos Sur,”
national sports event is all the opponents but for them height is said Coach Sabio.
bottom line why they are not always might without the
conditioned to fight. Every move necessary skill in this game. With their very devoted
they make is agile and nimble coach as an icon of inspiration for
induced by the excitement of “In height, my players them, all the players are ready to
being graced to feel the beat of are smaller than the other teams rock the court and conquer the
the 2018 Palarong Pambansa. hence we are to concentrate on rings with their positive minds to
enhancing one skill as possible give a series of 3-point- shots of
Despite of being all edge over them. Shooting is what good fortune in this PALARONG
neophytes except just one for his we are mastering as our weapon PAMBANSA 2018.
second time in this huge event, in this ball game,” Coach Sabio
they are solidly strong-minded claimed. Good luck REGION V
considering this to be a great BICOL VULCANS!!!!
opportunity and experience for Their coach also
admitted that it was not an easy (Irene Balasan, Maribeth
Bista)

Bicol Vulcans Basketball Team Secondary Boys like Mt. Mayon is very much ready to explode their floor
defense and shooting skills for Palarong Pambansa 2018.