Palaro Delegates Appreciate Over-all Accommodations in Pangasinan

17 Regions.  17 Games.  17 Years.  Athletes of different cultures from 17 regions in the country parade at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen during the grand opening ceremony of Palarong Pambansa 2012 last May 7.  Pangasinan hosted the national games for the second time in 17 years since 1995.  Some 6,520 athletes from public and private elementary and high schools nationwide will compete in 17 sporting events from May 6-12.

Lingayen - - Delegates of the Palarong Pambansa 2012 can only express positive impressions over the warm reception they have been receiving in their respective billeting schools in Pangasinan. 

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr has assigned each provincial government department  to oversee the accommodations in a particular billeting area.

Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Geraldine Baniqued, who is in-charge of West Central I and West Central II in Dagupan City occupied by the National Capital Region (NCR) delegates, said the group was thankful of the warm hospitality accorded to them.

“The delegates had joined many Palarong Pambansa events, but in terms of accommodation, they said Pangasinan is the best,” Baniqued said.

She added that the delegates, headed by Rizalino Jose T. Rosales, were even surprised that there were give-aways like t-shirts from the provincial government.

The NCR group, numbering 695 in all, came fully prepared with various committees to handle the needs of the group.

Baniqued likewise noted that some delegates have themselves billeted in hotels at their own expense, citing  the scion of business magnate Lucio Tan.

She said that aside from the provincial government, the city government of Dagupan has been fully supportive of the delegation.

“Thankful tayo dahil maraming nag-aasist sa kanila tulad ng mga barangay officials, Philippine National Police, Deltacom at marami pang iba,” the lady legal officer said.

During the first two days of the Palaro, the NCR displayed outstanding performances in gymnastics and swimming, garnering first, second and third place standings, according to Baniqued.

Region IV-B or the MIMAROPA-Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan delegates, are billeted at the Tandoc Elementary School and Tandoc National High School in San Carlos City.

The 648-member delegation expressed appreciation to the warm welcome party held on May 4 which was made in cooperation with the Department of Education.

Led by Arlene dela Vega, the group expressed elation over the well-coordinated accommodations.

Provincial Employment and Services Officer Alex Ferrer handled the billeting area for the MIMAROPA delegation.