Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a historic move to elevate grassroots sports development in the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced a groundbreaking expansion of events for the 65th Palarong Pambansa, set to take place from May 24 to 31, 2025, in Ilocos Norte. This year’s competition will feature weightlifting, pole vaulting for secondary girls, and pencak silat as regular sports, while kickboxing will make its debut as an exhibition event.
This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of fostering young athletic talent across the nation, providing Filipino student-athletes with greater opportunities to compete, excel, and represent the country on a global stage.
Weightlifting Makes Its Historic Palaro Debut
One of the most anticipated additions to the 2025 Palarong Pambansa is weightlifting, which will be introduced as a demonstration sport. This milestone follows years of advocacy from none other than Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist.
Diaz, who achieved her historic victory at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has long championed the inclusion of weightlifting in national youth competitions. Upon hearing the announcement, she expressed her elation, saying:
"It started as a dream, and finally, WEIGHTLIFTING is included as a demonstration sport in the PALARONG PAMBANSA."
Her involvement in this year’s event as a resource person adds another layer of prestige and inspiration for aspiring weightlifters. This move paves the way for the next generation of Filipino athletes to follow in Diaz’s footsteps and bring further glory to the country.
Pole Vault for Secondary Girls: A Step Towards Gender Inclusivity
Another significant addition to the Palarong Pambansa lineup is the inclusion of pole vaulting for secondary girls as a regular event. This progressive step gives young female athletes a platform to showcase their talent in a discipline that has gained international recognition, thanks to the remarkable achievements of EJ Obiena.
Obiena, currently ranked among the world’s best pole vaulters, has been instrumental in popularizing the sport in the Philippines. Last year, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara met with both Diaz and Obiena to explore the possibility of including their respective sports in the Palaro. Months later, that vision is now a reality, expanding opportunities for young athletes nationwide.
Pencak Silat Becomes a Regular Sport
The traditional Southeast Asian martial art of pencak silat, which has been a demonstration sport in previous editions of the Palarong Pambansa, will now be a permanent fixture in the competition. This decision reflects the sport's growing popularity among Filipino athletes and its potential to become a powerhouse event for the country in international competitions.
As the sport continues to gain traction, its inclusion in Palarong Pambansa ensures that more student-athletes will have access to professional training, structured competitions, and opportunities for international representation.
Kickboxing Joins as an Exhibition Sport
Adding to the excitement, kickboxing will be introduced as an exhibition sport, marking its first appearance in Palarong Pambansa history. While not yet a full-fledged competition event, this move aims to gauge interest and participation levels among young athletes, potentially setting the stage for its official inclusion in future editions.
Kickboxing's entry into Palarong Pambansa comes at a time when combat sports are experiencing a surge in popularity in the Philippines, thanks to the rise of local and international Filipino martial arts champions.
A Collaborative Effort for Youth Sports Development
The expansion of the Palarong Pambansa sports lineup is the result of collaborative efforts between the Department of Education, elite Filipino athletes, and sports organizations.
During the opening ceremony of the 2025 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Sports Meet, Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the significance of these additions, emphasizing their role in fostering athletic talent and expanding sports opportunities for Filipino youth.
"Maswerte po ang ating mga learner-athletes. It is your chance to try out these sports," Angara stated, encouraging students to embrace the new challenges and opportunities ahead.
The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, under the leadership of Governor Matthew Manotoc, will host this year’s competition in collaboration with DepEd-Region I and the Schools Division Office of Ilocos Norte. Around 15,000 participants from 18 delegations, including student-athletes from the National Academy of Sports, are expected to take part in this prestigious event.
Preserving Filipino Heritage Through Traditional Games
Beyond the competitive events, the 2025 Palarong Pambansa will also celebrate the country's rich cultural heritage by featuring "Palaro ng Lahi" or "Larong Pinoy", a segment dedicated to traditional Filipino games.
This initiative aims to:
✅ Preserve indigenous Filipino sports and games
✅ Promote national pride and cultural appreciation among the youth
✅ Encourage fun, interactive, and educational activities outside of competitive sports
By integrating modern and traditional sports, Palarong Pambansa 2025 solidifies its commitment to holistic youth development—blending athletic excellence, cultural appreciation, and national pride into one grand sporting event.
Looking Ahead to Palarong Pambansa 2025
With the inclusion of weightlifting, pole vault for secondary girls, pencak silat, and kickboxing, the 65th Palarong Pambansa is shaping up to be a monumental event in Philippine sports history.
This expansion not only broadens opportunities for young Filipino athletes but also strengthens the foundation of grassroots sports development, ensuring that the next generation of champions can rise to the international stage.
As the countdown to Palarong Pambansa 2025 begins, all eyes are on Ilocos Norte, where the nation’s most promising young athletes will compete, make history, and inspire the future of Philippine sports.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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