21st ZSibugay Palarong Panlalawigan kicks off

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - After four years of hiatus, the Schools Division of Zamboanga Sibugay held the 21st
Palarong Panlalawigan on March 24 – 26, 2023 at Ipil Central and Ipil SpEd Sports Complex, Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga
Sibugay.

About 2,256 of the crowd, a mix of delegation officials, athletes, coaches, chaperons, and parents took part in this
sporting event with this year’s theme, “Shaping the future through sports.”

During the opening program, the first lady governor of the province graced the athletic meet represented by Atty.
Christian Jay M. Millena, provincial administrator, and that Governor Ann send her regards to everyone. “She wants to
make sure that you know that she remembers and that she honors your hard work,” he said.

The provincial administrator shared also that sports is the greatest equalizer, regardless of social status, gender,
religious or political affiliation, anyone can excel in sports.

In addition, Atty. Millena expressed the full support of the office of the governor to the participation of SDO
Zamboanga Sibugay to the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Meet on April 2023.

“During the local provincial school board meeting, the proposal was presented to us. The proposal was at around
six million pesos, but she realized it was not enough. She wants to make sure that our athletes will be able to stand tall
and proud as they meet head on the athletes of other provinces,” he added.

In conclusion to his speech, the provincial administrator announced that the budget allocation is nine million pesos
instead of six million budget proposal.

Meanwhile, the Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Jeanelyn A. Aleman, CESO V expressed her concerned to all
athletes to always put in out hearts and minds the spirit of sportsmanship.

“I know that they are in full enthusiasm and full of energy. Always remember that athletes, we should have the
spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie”, the SDS added.

She also shared that we should be willing to accept defeat and whatever the decision of the officiating officials,
lets respect it and if you win, you should be thankful to everyone who supported you.

Some of the sport events highlighted in this athletic meet both elementary and secondary are archery, arnis,
athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, billiards, boxing, chess, dance sports, futsal, gymnastics, lawn tennis, sepak
takraw, soccer football, swimming, softball, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, wushu, wrestling and PARA games for
children with special needs.

Participants in the competition are divided into four School Learning Centers (SLC) – SLC 1 which comprises Ipil,
Titay, RTLim, and Tungawan; SLC 2 composes of Naga, Kabasalan, Siay, and Payao; SLC 3 consists of Buug, Diplahan, Imelda,
and Malangas; and SLC 4 includes the island districts of Olutanga, Mabuhay, Talusan and Alicia.

Gracing the opening ceremony also were Hon. Antonieta “Tata” Eudela, Congressman of 2nd District, represented
by Engr. Reynald L. Rodriguez, Hon. Anamel C. Olegario, Mayor of Ipil municipality, and schools division superintendent,
Dr. Jeanelyn A. Aleman, CESO V.

-Jevan Hope S. Baltazar, Titay NHS