About 30 years after its last holding in 1994, Cebu City and nearby Carcar once again played host to the Palarong Pambansa, which took place from July 9–16 at the "Queen City of the South" Sports Center.
During the opening ceremony on July 9, 2024, the much-awaited 2024 Palarong Pambansa welcomed at least 10,000 athletes and coaches from 17 regions, including the new division from Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO) and the National Academy of Sports (NAS).
Grassroots’ pinnacle
At the inaugural ceremony, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., described the occasion as the ultimate training ground for upcoming Filipino athletes.
“This event is more than just an inter-school, inter-regional competition. It is also a platform where we discover, where we develop, and hone future professional athletes, Olympians, and servant leaders,” he said.
Additionally, he declared that this year would mark the exhibition debuts of football, karate, soft tennis, and esports.
Archery, Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Billiards, Boxing, Chess, Dancesport, Football, Gymnastics, Pencak Silat, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball, and Wrestling are some of the regular sports in the week-long games.
Other presenters
During the ceremony, other attendees included Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, and Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia of Cebu City.
World Athletics Referee Ms. Jeanette Obiena and 2023 Palarong Pambansa Dance Sports Gold Medalist Mitchioni Dinaunao led the Oathtaking of Sportsmanship and Technical Officials and Coaches.
President Marcos Jr. ceremoniously ignited the torch and gave it to the legendary Cebuano basketball player, Dondon Hontiveros who then lit the Palarong Pambansa 2024 urn.
