VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR, January 31, 2018
– The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Provincial Government of
Ilocos Sur officially inked the memorandum of agreement (MOA), which
stipulates the duties and responsibilities of DepEd and the province,
for the 2018 Palarong Pambansa.
DepEd and Ilocos Sur were represented by Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones and Governor Ryan Luis Singson, respectively.
In her message, Briones shared that she instructed the Palarong Pambansa
Board to follow religiously the requirements of the law in choosing the
official host of the annual sporting event: “We follow very carefully
the policies and standards that we have formulated as guidelines for the
final selection of the venue. Last year, we reached a unanimous
decision to award the bidder, which is the province of Ilocos Sur.”
“And may bonus kasi ang Vigan. Aside from its
state-of-the-art sports facilities, Vigan also gives our delegates a
chance to refresh their memories about the history of our country
because this is a historic city,” the Education chief further shared in
an interview.
DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali, Palarong Pambansa Secretary-General, and members of the Palarong Pambansa Board
joined DepEd-Region 1 Director Alma Torio, Ilocos Sur Vice Governor
Jeremias Singson, and Vigan City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina in the
ceremonial signing of MOA, held at the Vigan Convention Center in Ilocos
Sur.
As the national government agency tasked to manage the annual sporting
event, DepEd shall coordinate with Ilocos Sur for the necessary security
provisions and measures, transportation and communication provisions,
and other requirements for the conduct of the Palaro, including the playing facilities and billeting quarters for the regional delegations and national technical officials.
The Department shall also conduct technical inspection and monitor the
readiness of the sports facilities and billeting quarters, in
coordination with the province of Ilocos Sur, and provide the standard
technical equipment, materials and supplies needed for the different
sports events according to the specifications prescribed by the Palaro Technical Management and Games Administration Committee (TMGAC).
Furthermore, DepEd is mandated to provide technical and funding
assistance in the preparation, repair, and rehabilitation of billeting
schools and provide technical officiating officials for the different
sports events, and focal persons, liaison officers and/or committees
that will coordinate with Ilocos Sur.
As the host province, Ilocos Sur shall create and convene the Local Palaro
Executive Committee (LPEC) and a secretariat, as well as other working
committees that may be necessary for the hosting of the 2018 Palarong Pambansa, and coordinate with the municipalities for the successful conduct of the event.
Ilocos Sur shall also provide focal persons or liaison officers or
committees or and other manpower requirement who will coordinate and
assist DepEd from the preparation stage up to the actual conduct of the Palaro;
ensure the readiness and availability of the sports facilities, playing
venues, and billeting quarters throughout the whole duration of the Palaro; and
ensure that all roads leading to all billeting quarters and playing
venues are well maintained in coordination with the Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH), among its other commitments.
Singson thanked the DepEd for choosing the province and guaranteed the
latter that Ilocos Sur will be the best host province: “I don't want
this to be one of the best Palarong Pambansa. I want this to be the best Palarong Pambansa.”
The MOA signing was followed by the launching of the official logo, mascot, and hymn of the 2018 Palarong Pambansa.
Briones expressed confidence that Ilocos Sur can perform its duties and
responsibilities as this year’s host province: “I can look at you in the
eye and say we made the right choice. We made the rational choice after
nearly a year of assessment and study. Congratulations, Ilocos Sur.”
END
source: www.deped.gov.ph
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