BAGUIO CITY, (PIA) — The cool climate of Baguio City and Benguet maybe a major advantage in their joint bid to be the venue of the Palarong Pambansa next year.
“Plus factor ang cool climate ng Baguio at Benguet,” Palarong Pambansa Technical Committee Team Leader Cesar Albon said.
Albon explained that there is a standing policy of the Palaro board that there should be no scheduled games 10AM to 2PM since this is the peak of the heat especially during summer. He said the Department of Health has advised not to allow activities or games within the time period to avoid heat stroke and other incidents.
The national sports competition is usually scheduled in summer between the last week of April to the first week of May when the highest heat indexes are recorded.
Albon, who is the Chief of School Sports of the Department of Education Central Office, shared that after the two- day inspection of possible playing venues, billeting areas and facilities in Baguio City and Benguet, they found out that these have passed the minimum standards set by the Palaro technical committee.
“All of those I’ve seen met the minimum requirements. What is needed is in terms of peripherals, especially the playing areas for the athletes but the technical space is already suitable for playing,” Albon said.
He added that some playing venues they have inspected from Aug. 16 to 18 have met international requirements.
The inspection team went around the proposed playing and billeting venues including the Athletic Bowl and Philippine Military Academy, Benguet Sports Center, Benguet State University, DepEd and private schools, and other areas.
Albon also mentioned that the playing venues and billeting areas are also within the standard 15 kilometer radius and the plans and programs placed by both LGU with the Baguio City Police Office, Benguet Provicnail Police Office and the Police Regional Office with regards to traffic, safety and other challenges were also considered.
In the past weeks, the co-hosting bid of Baguio City and Benguet with the tagline “Coolest Palaro” gathered support from various groups, institutions and individuals including the World ONE Lightweight Champion Eduard Folayang, Wushu champion Joerdan Dominguez and most recently from Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar who committed to give his recommendation to the Philippine Sports Commission.
Aside from Baguio City and Benguet, LGUs vying for the 2018 Palaro hosting include Ilagan, Isabela; Vigan,Ilocos Sur; Tarlac, Marikina and Bulacan.** RMC PIA CAR
