My warmest greetings to all the Athlete-Contingents participating in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa.

This national sporting event has truly become a platform for cultivating camaraderie, discipline and excellence, especially among the Filipino youth. Its competitive events have also strengthened their character and determination to succeed in their chosen sports as well as in their academic endeavors.

I acknowledge the unwavering commitment of the Department of Education in supporting this annual athletic activity, which will have two new side events this year: Larong Pinoy, which aims to revive traditional Filipino games such as kadang-kadang, patintero, hilahang lubid and karera ng sako; and Sports Heroes Day, when our young athletes will have the opportunity to meet their sports idols and icons.

As you compete in the different events, which Davao City will host for the first time, I trust that you will uphold the noble objectives of this program, including the promotion of greater peace and understanding among our people through sports.

May you have a successful participation in the National Games.

         

        RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE
President of the Republic of the Philippines