BAGUIO CITY- – Stressing his commitment to promote the welfare of the youth, Baguio City Councilor Van Dicang called for the inclusion of weightlifting as a regular event in the Palarong Pambansa (National Games).
He expressed support for his sentiment of 2020 Tokyo Olympics weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz- Naranjo. Now, Dicang is onward to the growing clamor on this concern. To date, the Philippines has three gold medals in the Summer Olympics.
During an interview with the ZigZag Weekly, the youthful legislator said that this innovation shall underscore the Palarong Pambansa’s dynamic evolution.
“We know weightlifting can never be more helpful in winning medals in foreign competitions, if it is not included as a regular event in the Palaro,” he said.
Weightlifters saw action in the just-concluded National Games in Laoag City, but only as a demonstration sport. Many recognize the need to finally acknowledge it as a competitive event of the prestigious Palarong Pambansa.
The Palarong Pambansa, participated by regions throughout the country, emphasizes the importance of identifying future champions.
“It nurtures students’ potential through sports, so they will have the skills needed to be ready for international competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games or Asian Games,” he asserted.
“I’m thrilled to see weightlifters from Baguio and the Cordillera Administrative Region take part in these competitions,” he added.
It becomes evident that Councilor is ready to provide quality and efficient services for the youth sector. For Baguio’s youngsters, reliable services create legacies for them and incoming generations, clearly serving us as pathways for better opportunities.
Dicang played a pivotal role in sports program promotion in the Sangguniang Kabataan and barangay council for several years.
“I believe sports program should be given priority considering that it is a deterrent to vices,” he quipped.
The chemistry among the Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Education, local government units and the private sector is coming along greatly. These entities should simply focus on what is needed to be done.
Supercharge this sector through provincial, regional and national competitions in the hope of developing the young’s physical and mental health. Start 2026 ringing with such positive outlook. Celebrate and lead life in full energy!
Inclusion of weightlifting at the Palarong Pambansa is an excellent long-term investment move. It’s a busy calendar schedule for weightlifters, with the SEA Games scheduled in December of this year in Thailand and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. **By Anthony A. Araos
