DepEd to propose cancellation of Palarong Pambansa 2020 amid COVID-19 emergency

The Department of Education (DepEd) is inclined to cancel the already-postponed Palarong Pambansa 2020 amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in the Philippines, according to an official.

"DepEd will propose [the] cancellation of 2020 Palaro Pambansa subject to approval of [the] Palarong Pambansa board via ad referendum," DepEd spokesperson Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla said in a message to GMA News Online on Thursday night.

The board is composed of DepEd officials, Philippine Sports Commission chairman, and Interior Secretary.

The annual sports meet for elementary and high school students was originally to be hosted by Occidental Mindoro but damages due to Typhoon Tisoy prompted officials to change the venue.

They decided to hold it in Marikina City this May but it was postponed last month to prevent the spread of COVID-19. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News