President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed strong support for Filipino student-athletes during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, held at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Stadium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, on Saturday.
In his speech, Marcos emphasized the government’s commitment to nurturing young athletes, seeing them as future champions on the global stage. “The government will always have your back. We will help you reach your dreams because your win is our win as well,” he told the participants.
Encouraging them to aim high, Marcos added, “Today, you’re here participating at the Palarong Pambansa. In the future, you will be the next representative of the Philippines in the Asian Games as well as the Olympics, so do good.”
This year’s national sports event brings together around 15,000 delegates from all 18 regional athletic associations, the National Academy of Sports, and Philippine Overseas Schools. The Ilocos Region is hosting the games, which will run until May 31.
