Latest Posts

Screen Shot 2025-09-09 at 9.58.25 PM

Justin Bieber Gets Candid About Not Deserving Jesus’ Forgiveness and Love

Screen Shot 2025-09-09 at 9.55.38 PM

Dallas Jenkins’ Next Project, Joseph of Egypt, Heads to Prime Video

Screen Shot 2025-09-09 at 9.53.53 PM

Kentucky Native Anne Wilson Raises More Than $100K in Tornado Relief Concert, Gives Praise to God’s Grace

Angara announces inclusion of weightlifting, pole vault for HS girls in Palaro 2025

Screenshot

SHARE

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports development in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced the inclusion of weightlifting, pole vault for secondary girls, and pencak silat in the 65th Palarong Pambansa, set to take place from May 24 to 31, 2025, in Ilocos Norte.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara made the announcement during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Sports Meet on Sunday, emphasizing that weightlifting will debut as a demonstration sport, while pole vault for secondary girls will be a regular event in athletics. Pencak Silat, meanwhile, will be introduced as a regular sports after being a demo sports since 2017.

Screenshot

“In the upcoming Palarong Pambansa, we will have weightlifting for the first time, with no less than Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz as our resource person,” Angara stated. “Maswerte po ang ating mga learner-athletes. It is your chance to try out these sports.”

Diaz, a four-time Olympian, expressed her excitement over weightlifting’s inclusion in the Palarong Pambansa, following her historic gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

“I have long hoped for my sport to once again be part of the biggest national sporting event for student-athletes in the Philippines. Now, it’s finally happening. Maraming salamat sa tulong at suporta mula kay Department of Education Sec. Sonny Angara, sa Palarong Pambansa Board, at sa Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP),” Diaz said.

Last year, Sec. Angara met with Diaz and world No. 4 pole vaulter EJ Obiena on separate occasions to explore the possibility of including their proposed events in the Palaro. Months later, their vision is set to become reality, expanding opportunities for young Filipino athletes to excel in new disciplines.

Kickboxing will also be featured as an exhibition sport, further diversifying this year’s Palarong Pambansa lineup.

Hosted by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, led by Governor Matthew Manotoc, in collaboration with DepEd-Region I and the Schools Division Office of Ilocos Norte, the 65th Palarong Pambansa will gather around 15,000 participants from 18 delegations, including the National Academy of Sports.

Adding to the festivities, Palaro ng Lahi/Larong Pinoy will also be featured to promote traditional Filipino games and preserve the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities among the nation’s youth.

*All Photos from DepEd

RELATED ARTICLES

Screen Shot 2025-09-09 at 9.58.25 PM

Justin Bieber Gets Candid About Not Deserving Jesus’ Forgiveness and Love

Justin Bieber is opening up about a side of his life that his fans don’t often see—the depth of his faith and the gratitude he...
Screen Shot 2025-09-09 at 9.55.38 PM

Dallas Jenkins’ Next Project, Joseph of Egypt, Heads to Prime Video

Fans of biblical storytelling have reason to celebrate as Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen, brings his next ambitious project to life. Joseph of Egypt,...
Screen Shot 2025-09-09 at 9.53.53 PM

Kentucky Native Anne Wilson Raises More Than $100K in Tornado Relief Concert, Gives Praise to God’s Grace

It was a night of worship, generosity, and hope. Grammy-nominated artist Anne Wilson returned to her Kentucky roots this week, headlining a special benefit concert...
Screen Shot 2025-09-09 at 9.20.54 PM

Crowder Reacts to Worship Song Forrest Frank Wrote About His Broken Leg

The Christian music community is experiencing a moment of creativity, faith, and collaboration like no other. What began as an unexpected trial for David Crowder...
Screen Shot 2025-09-09 at 9.10.12 PM

God’s Plan, My Story: How the Probiotic Diet Transformed My Digestive Health

For many, health struggles can feel like an endless cycle of unanswered questions, failed treatments, and discouragement. At just 19 years old, Jordan Rubin faced...
TP x MCTI MOA Signing 2

TP, Muntinlupa City Technical Institute ink partnership for industry learning program

Building the future with a strong partnership. (From left)TP in the Philippines’Vice President of Human Resources Rachel Cacabelos, Muntinlupa City Mayor Rozzano Rufino Biazon, TP...
Screen Shot 2025-09-09 at 9.58.25 PM

Justin Bieber Gets Candid About Not Deserving Jesus’ Forgiveness and Love

Justin Bieber is opening up about a side of his life that his fans don’t often see—the depth of his faith and the gratitude he...
Screen Shot 2025-09-09 at 9.55.38 PM

Dallas Jenkins’ Next Project, Joseph of Egypt, Heads to Prime Video

Fans of biblical storytelling have reason to celebrate as Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen, brings his next ambitious project to life. Joseph of Egypt,...
Screen Shot 2025-09-09 at 9.53.53 PM

Kentucky Native Anne Wilson Raises More Than $100K in Tornado Relief Concert, Gives Praise to God’s Grace

It was a night of worship, generosity, and hope. Grammy-nominated artist Anne Wilson returned to her Kentucky roots this week, headlining a special benefit concert...

Don't Miss

japan

Could Japan Become the ‘Land of the Risen Son’, Jesus? Superbook Spreads the Gospel

bible 2

How Christian Teens Are Turning Instagram TikTok into Platforms for the Gospel

appearance

Did This Viral Video Capture a Glimpse of Heaven?

jesus 2

Did You See This? Jesus-Like Image Forms in Clouds After Mass in Naga, PH