What goes into preparing for one of the Philippines’ largest sports events? Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas of the Department of Education (DepEd) recently inspected the Cebu City Sports Center to ensure preparations for the Palarong Pambansa 2024, scheduled from July 6 to 17, are progressing smoothly.
Site Inspection and Preparations
On Thursday, Assistant Secretary Bringas visited the Cebu City Sports Center, which will serve as the main venue for this year’s Palarong Pambansa. Contractors assured Bringas that rehabilitation works on the sports center were on schedule.
“We are trying to look if there are still some refinements or minor adjustments that we need to make so that we can have the oval safe for the athletes,”
Bringas told reporters.
Organizational Efforts
The organizing committee is set to have a final technical conference, where tournament directors will be briefed on the developments. Bringas praised the city government for its effective preparation despite a leadership change following the preventive suspension of Mayor Michael Rama.
Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia expressed his satisfaction with the inspection, stating,
“I’m proud and privileged to be visited by ASec Francis. She’s really here to oversee the preparations for the Palaro. I’m delighted with what I’m hearing from her that she’s satisfied with what she sees.”
Budget Management
The Cebu City government has taken significant measures to manage the expenses for hosting the Palarong Pambansa 2024. Originally, the budget allocation was set between P400-405 million.
However, Acting Mayor Garcia has reduced this to P262 million, cutting the budget by approximately P138-143 million. This substantial budget reduction reflects the city’s commitment to financial prudence.
Cost-Sharing Initiatives
The Department of Education will assist with transportation, uniforms, and meals for the 12,000 athletes and participants. However, the Cebu City government will shoulder the remaining expenses, as no national government subsidy will be provided.
Garcia also suspended all ongoing procurement related to the Palarong Pambansa for three days starting May 20 to review and potentially reduce expenses. For instance, the budget for renting portable toilets was reduced from P21.9 million to P18 million.
Venue Rehabilitation
The Cebu City government allocated P200 million from general funds in 2023 to rehabilitate the Cebu City Sports Center, the main venue for the event. As of May 25, contractors were laying the rubber on the oval track, ensuring the venue is ready for the upcoming event.
Bringas and Garcia joined Councilor Jerry Guardo, Cebu City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Nimfa Bongo, Cebu City Sports Commission chairman John Pages, and other education officials during the inspection, highlighting the collaborative effort to prepare the venue.
Looking Ahead
The DepEd and Cebu City government are pulling out all the stops to make Palarong Pambansa 2024 a grand event. Their focus on effective budget management, thorough inspections, and continuous improvements to the venue ensures a successful and memorable experience for all participants.
The event not only showcases athletic talent but also emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and collaboration in hosting large-scale events.
Preparations for Palarong Pambansa 2024
Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
| Main Venue | Cebu City Sports Center |
| Event Dates | July 6 to 17, 2024 |
| Initial Budget Allocation | P400-405 million |
| Revised Budget | P262 million |
| DepEd Assistance | Transportation, uniforms, meals |
| Procurement Review | Suspended for three days to reduce expenses |
| Venue Rehabilitation Fund | P200 million from general funds |
Final Thoughts
The comprehensive preparations for the Palarong Pambansa 2024 highlight the dedication and meticulous planning by the DepEd and the Cebu City government.
With continuous efforts to manage costs and ensure the venue’s readiness, the event promises to be a landmark occasion for young athletes across the Philippines.
Sources: THX News, Sun Star, The Freeman, Daily Tribune & Philippine News Agency.
