With the rich culture of Ilocanos on full display and the support of the nation behind them, over 12,000 student-athletes marched proudly during the grand opening of the 65th Palarong Pambansa at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. led the ceremony, declaring the official start of the country’s biggest sports event for student-athletes.

“Sa bisa ng kapangyarihang ipinagkaloob sa akin bilang Pangulo ng Republika ng Pilipinas, opisyal kong idinideklara ang pagbubukas ng Palarong Pambansa para sa 2025,” the President said in his speech.

The opening ceremony was rich in Ilocano heritage — from cultural performances to a dramatic reenactment of the Lam-ang epic and a tribute to Ilocano swimming legend Teofilo Yldefonso, also known as the “Ilocano Shark.”

Athletes from 17 regions, the National Academy of Sports, and Philippine Schools Overseas joined the parade, waving their banners.

Baseball prodigy Gerick Jhon Flores led the athletes' oath of sportsmanship, while Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz led the coaches and technical officials in their pledge.

Marcos encouraged the young athletes to give their best, saying they may one day represent the Philippines on the world stage.

“Ang gobyerno ay laging nasa likod ninyo. Tutulungan namin kayong maabot ang inyong mga pangarap, dahil ang panalo ninyo ay panalo na rin namin,” he said.

One of the evening’s highlights was the lighting of a solar-powered beam, symbolizing Ilocos Norte’s commitment to renewable energy.

The event closed with a fireworks display and a drone show lighting up the night sky.

The Palarong Pambansa runs until May 31, featuring competitions in dozens of sports where the country’s best young athletes will battle for glory and pride.

(with reports from 24 Oras)