You have inspired a nation

Let me begin by expressing my heartfelt congratulations to all athletes!

Beyond the medals, awards, records, honor and the recognition, that the Palarong Pambansa 2024 exclusively rewards, it is your collective performance, unity, passion, and perseverance that inspires a nation.

You have succeeded in showing the country, the power of dedication, the beauty of dreaming big and that your achievements have set a new benchmark for the generations to come.

Whether you are taking home the medals or memories, know that you have made your mark on the history of Palarong Pambansa. And the Palarong Pambansa 2024, has indeed been a historic!

This year’s edition of the Palaro is one of many firsts. For the first time, we expanded the participating teams from 17 regions and included the National Academy of Sports and Philippine Schools Overseas

We endeavored to bring the games closer to you by broadcasting all the games via live streaming; and having an exclusive mobile application is another first! We introduced the access monitoring system in billeting and playing venues to ensure the security of our athletes.

You have succeeded in showing the country, the power of dedication, the beauty of dreaming big and that your achievements have set a new benchmark for the generations to come.

In this Palaro, we also introduced the Online Medal Tally System, allowing us to track the results of the games in real-time. Dancesport, for which Cebu is renowned as the dance sport capital of the country, made its debut as a regular sport.

And though not technically firsts, the Palarong Pambansa 2024 continued the legacy of recognition and respect for history and culture by again incorporating indigenous and traditional games into Philippine Sports through the Palaro ng Lahi and celebrating the differently-abled, through the Para-Games events. And it is this that has touched me the most

To the coaches, officials, workers from the Department of Education, and my fellow servants in the Cebu City Government and the Provincial Government, volunteers, and everyone else who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, you are no-lesser-heroes who display the indomitable Filipino spirit.

As we pay tribute to the victories of the athletes, allow me to give my salute to the countless men and women who shared their time, talent, and energy to make these games truly remarkable.

As we lower the Palarong Pambansa flag, let us carry forward the camaraderie that developed over the course of the games, the sportsmanship that we’ve displayed despite the gruels of competition, and our shared love for the game.

Let these games be a beacon that lights our way towards a brighter future for Philippine sports.

Mabuhi ang Palarong Pambansa! Mabuhi ang atletang Pilipino! Mabuhi kitang tanan! Mabuhi ang Sugbo! Mabuhi ang Sugbuanon. Love the Philippines, and love Cebu!