City Govt set for Palarong Pambansa

Less than a month before the Palarong Pambansa set on April 27 – May 4 this year, the City Government says it is ready and doing just some finishing touches for the event.

“We had a longer time for the preparations of this event, in fact, the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet, is considered as our preparation,” Atty. Lawrence Bantiding, assistant city administrator told reporters Monday, during the weekly flag raising ceremony at the city hall grounds.

“Two weeks ago, regional sports official visited all the playing and billeting venues and their feedback was good and that the city is ready to host Palarong Pambansa,” he added.

Bantiding further noted that they are ready with the billeting quarters and other playing venues except for the aquatics event.

“We are still working on the venue for the aquatics. During DAVRAA, we were not able to complete the construction of the swimming pool at the Davao City – University of the Philippines sports complex due to the unanticipated weather conditions,” he said.

Bantiding further noted that based on updates from the ground, they eye adding water at the pool this week.

“We are also working on the bleachers. We have steel bleachers from Vietnam,” he said.

Other than the DC-UP Sports Complex, Bantiding reported that there will be more than 30 other playing venues both private and public venues.

Bantiding noted that they are hopeful that there will be no more events to be played outside the city unlike the recent DAVRAA where the aquatics events were held in Tagum.

Bantiding also noted that the city will support delegates through fetching them from the airports and seaports.

“We will provide CTTMO personnel to guide them. We will also provide buses because it is among our commitments during the bidding,” Bantiding reported.

He further noted that they will request again the LTFRB to provide special permits to PUJs to allow them to ply until the UP Mintal area especially that it is far from the highway. (Julianne A. Suarez)