By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Department of Education in Western Visayas (DepEd-6) said over the weekend they support the resumption of the annual Palarong Pambansa this year.

The annual sporting event was suspended for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Negros Occidental supposedly hosting the 64th edition in 2021.

In a radio interview with RMN dyHB-Bacolod, DepEd-6 Public Information Officer Hernani Escullar, Jr. said athletes from the region are being eyed as one of the best teams and the department is giving them all the support they need, including moral and financial.

Escullar also said they are currently preparing for the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet which will take place in Aklan from April 24 to 28.

WVRAA athletes will represent the region in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City from July 29 to August 5.

A pre-qualifying meet will be held on July 17 to 21 for team sports events based on a new ruling.

A total of 600 participants, comprising of 100 officials and 500 athletes, will be sent to the national sports event this year./DGB, WDJ