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[av_heading heading=’Antique guv wants Duterte to open 2017 Palaro ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY MAE SINGUAY
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BACOLOD City – Gov. Rhodora Cadiao would be “honored and happy” to have President Rodrigo Duterte open the 2017 Palarong Pambansa in San Jose, Antique.
Cadiao invited the President — along with senators Loren Legarda, an Antiqueña, and Manny Pacquiao, an international boxing champion — to the event that is happening for the first time in her province on April 23 to 29.
She asked the officials to come as soon as Antique won the hosting bid against Dumaguete City, the governor told a news conference here that followed a three-day visit to Antiqueño migrant sugarcane plantation workers in Negros Occidental.
Negros Occidental, Iloilo and Cebu reportedly did not bid for the hosting due to budget issues.
The board supervising the national games awarded the hosting rights to Antique on Nov. 18.
Antique capitol allocated P20 million for the Palaro. Cadiao said the amount will be used mainly for repair and rehabilitation of facilities and support for athletes.
A private entity expressed intent in helping Antique rehabilitate its rubberized track oval, while capitol is also expecting financial and logistical assistance from the national government, she added.
Opening ceremonies for the 2017 Palarong Pambansa may be held at the Evelio B. Javier Memorial Sports Complex.
Sports facilities (they must be of international standard and well-secured but accessible) and the local government’s capability to shoulder expenses, including billeting and other infrastructural requirements were factors in choosing the Palaro host.
Lawyer Art Lastimoso will lead the Antique Palarong Pambansa Organizing Committee.
Cadiao assured that Antique is a “very peaceful” province.
“We invite our neighbors in Negros Occidental, including the governor (Alfredo Marañon Jr.) and the mayors to see and be with us in Antique,” she said.
Cadiao believes the national sporting event will also be a sort of “cultural exchange.”
“I tell you, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” she said in an earlier statement. “People will now know where we are. They will learn more about us, our culture and our tourist spots.” (With PNA/PN)
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