BARMM delegates gears up for Palarong Pambansa 2024 

CEBU CITY (July 8, 2024) — 680 delegates from the Bangsamoro region were joining the Palarong Pambansa 2024, of whom 573 are athletes said the Ministry of Education’s Bureau Director for Physical Education and Sports Development Dr. Yusoph Thong Amino hosted here at Zapatera Elementary School and Zapatera National High School with a series of significant meetings, activities, and ceremonies held here in Cebu City.

Director Amino thanked those who participated in yesterday’s screening of the documents of Bangsamoro athletes conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd) National; said that he does not see any problems with the players and that only one player is waiting for the PSA certificate which is expected to be completed today. The goal of the management is to maintain the previous Palaro held in Marikina City that BARMM has the “cleanest record” or the “cleanest papers” of the athletes.

As part of the preparation of BARMM in the Palaro 2024, headed by MBHTE Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal, the following activities have been actively participated by BARMM Delegate to ensure the region’s commitment to the national sporting event, for the safety, comfort, and preparedness of the Bangsamoro region.

Joint Meeting with Local Officials and School Principals

The MBHTE Technical Committees for the Palarong Pambansa 2024, in collaboration with the Cebu Local Government Unit (LGU), Barangay LGU officials, and elementary and secondary principals of the BARMM delegation billeting schools, conducted their first joint meeting at Zapatera Elementary School led by Dr. Amino. The meeting covered the details of the playing venues, schedules, health and safety measures, security protocols, logistics, and documentation.

Zapatera Elementary School and Zapatera National High School served as the billeting schools for BARMM delegates from July 11 to 16, 2024. The MBHTE extends its utmost thanks and appreciation to the BLGU, LGU, and the billeting schools for ensuring the safety and comfort of the BARMM delegates.

Orientation of Regional Sports Officers and Key Personnel

On July 6, BARMM Technical Officials attended the Orientation of Regional Sports Officers (RSOs), Delegation Media In-Charge, Parade In-Charge, and Clean and Green In-Charge at the Cebu City Sports Center at Cebu City Sports Center. The detailed schedule of activities was discussed, with the opening program will officially kick-off on Tuesday, July 9, at 2:00 p.m. followed by traditional games of the Palaro ng Lahi on July 10 and the competition proper from July 11-15. A partners’ appreciation event is scheduled for July 14, with the closing ceremony on July 16.

Visit from Cebu City Mayor and DepEd Officials

Cebu City acting Mayor Atty. Raymond Alvin N. Garcia visited Zapatera Elementary and National High School on July 7 to welcome the BARMM delegates. Accompanying him were officials from the Department of Education Central Visayas, led by Regional Director Dr. Salustiano T. Jimenez and Assistant Regional Director Atty. Fiel Y. Almendra, also extended their warm welcome to the athletes of the Bangsamoro Region.

Arrival Ceremony and Flag Hoisting

The BARMM delegates participated in the Arrival Ceremony and Hoisting of Palaro and Delegation Flags on July 7 at Plaza sa Katawhan, Cebu City. This event officially marked the arrival of all participating delegations. Dr. Amino, representing Education Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal, presented a “Kulintang” to the Cebu City acting Mayor Hon. Raymond Alvin Garcia of the host city as a token of cultural exchange. In appreciation, the host city presented Minister Iqbal with a key symbolizes access to the city.

Welcome Dinner

The Cebu City hosted a welcome dinner on July 7 at Zapatera Elementary School gymnasium, featuring intermission performances by selected groups and individuals, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and cultural exchange among the participants.

Solidarity Meeting

On July 8, BARMM delegates were part of the Solidarity Meeting held at the University of San Carlos Gymnasium, Cebu wherein key topics included technical guidelines, formulation and approval of ground rules, familiarization with playing venues, drawing of lots and schedules of games, filing of protests, and understanding the roles of technical officials, coaches, parents, and spectators were discussed. 

This evening, the MBHTE Directorate General for Basic Education Abdullah P. Salik, Jr. will be arriving here and is expected to lead the delegation on behalf of Minister Iqbal for the Mayor’s Night, National Convergence of Sports Leaders program.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), an autonomous regional government with a unique relationship with the Republic of the Philippines, acknowledges the essential role of women and youth, as well as the significant contributions of differently abled individuals, in nation-building. BARMM is committed to promoting and protecting their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, cultural, and social well-being. The region strives to instill patriotism and nationalism in the youth, actively encouraging their participation in public and civic affairs.

The Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) is primarily responsible for the formulation, planning, implementation, and coordination of the policies, plans, programs, and projects in the areas of formal and non-formal education at all levels, supervise all educational institutions, both public and private, and provide for the establishment, maintenance, and support of a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant and responsive to the needs, ideals, and aspirations of the Bangsamoro People. (PR/BMN/BangsamoroToday)