March 29, 2024

All national games sanctioned and funded by the Philippine Sports Commission scheduled this year have been cancelled.

PSC Chair William “Butch” Ramirez was quoted as saying he has informed other concerned agencies and offices that PSC is calling off all PSC-funded sports events for the rest of the year, as funds for these will be diverted to the efforts to address the coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The PSC chair said the agency is complying with the directives of the Department of Budget and Management on the use of funds during the pandemic.

She added that PSC is also complying with the guidelines set by the Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases on prohibited activities even beyond the enhanced community quarantine.

Earlier, the Department of Education reported the agency is inclined to cancel the Palarong Pambansa 2020 due to the pandemic.

“DepEd will propose the cancellation of 2020 Palarong Pambansa subject to the approval of the Palarong Pambansa board via ad referendum,” DepEd USec. Annalyn Sevilla was quoted as saying.

The board is composed of DepEd officials, the PSC chair, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary.

The annual sports meet for elementary and high school student athletes was originally set to be hosted by Occidental Mindoro but damage due to Typhoon Tisoy prompted officials to change the venue.

DepEd has decided to move the games to Marikina City in May but on March 9, Sec. Leonor Briones announced the postponement of the Palarong Pambansa 2020 to prevent the spread of the Covid-19.

DepEd also postponed all national and regional events involving students from different localities such as the Palaro regional qualifying meets until further notice. – Harley F. Palangchao