CEBU CITY—The Philippine Sports Commission and national sports associations of the 19 sports to be played in the Philippine National Games conducted a refresher course for over 500 technical officials involved in the event yesterday at the Badminton Hall of the Cebu City Sports Center here.
Atty. Guillermo Iroy, PSC Deputy Executive Director and PNG Project Director thanked everyone involved in the technical management of each sport. With temperatures in the high 30s here in Cebu City, he reminded everyone to “keep hydrated and keep your health in check.” He also relayed the PSC board’s appreciation for everyone’s cooperation and support.
The refresher course is intended to keep the technical officials updated with latest developments in officiating.
Preparations for the Opening Ceremony this afternoon, which is expected be graced by President Rodrigo Duterte, have been finalized last night.
“We have prepared the best opening presentation yet in any PNG with hundreds of performers from all over the region,” said Ricky Ballesteros, Cebu City Sports Commission Manager and also the Opening and Closing Ceremonies head.
Ballesteros disclosed that there will be around 700 performers for the opening ceremonies. A dry-run was conducted which showed a Sinulog-like presentation.
A lighting of “Urn for Peace and Unity” is also in the program today.
Cebu City first hosted the PNG 21 years ago in 1997 on its third edition.
The traditional solidarity meeting between technical officials and representatives and officials of the participating delegations is being held this morning.
There are 96 local government units from all over the country participating in this multi-sport event considered the national Olympics.
Also expected to attend the opening ceremonies are sports legends, Django Bustamante, Elma Muros-Posadas, Eugene Torre, Bong Coo, Onyok Velasco and Hidilyn Diaz.