Sports Update: Dapitan City Opens Palarong Pambansa

The Mindanao Examiner: "Some 30,000 athletes and spectators flocked to the Jose Rizal Mindanao State University Sports Complex and were greeted by wild cheers from local well-wishers and organizers of the event as they paraded their colors representing various regions in the Philippines.

Philippine Army parachutists led by Colonel Eliglen Villaflor also showed their talents and skills and added more colors to the already colorful sports competition which coincided with the month-long Hudyaka Festival which is one of the most awaited tourism events in the whole of Mindanao.

The opening ceremony was graced by Vice President Jejomar Binay, who was the keynote speaker, and local and provincial officials headed by Dapitan Mayor Dominador Jalosjos, Governors Rolando Yebes, of Zamboanga del Norte; Rommel Jalosjos, of Zamboanga Sibugay, Education officials Teofila Villanueva, of Region 3 and Walter Albos, of Region 9.

Local Councilor Apple Marie Agolong, who heads the event promotions, said thousands more are expected to arrive in Dapitan for the twin event."