The city of Tagum in the province of Davao Del Norte will be the host of the 2015 Palarong Pambansa also known as the Philippine National Games (PNG) featuring athletes from different regions of the country competing for the Elementary and Secondary title in various sports discipline. The announcement was made available to the media through Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richie Garcia on Tuesday, December 16, 2014.
Tagum City won over four other cities from Mindanao who wants the hosting rights after the bidding was held last Monday at the Department of Education head office in Pasig City.
According to the announcement of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, out of the 18 votes casts, 16 were in favor for Tagum City as the host of the 2015 Palarong Pambansa. The announcement was revealed during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum held at the Shakey’s Malate.
The PSC Chairman also noted that the first time host Tagum got the nod after it presented to the bidding committee the capability of the city to host the annual meet for Elementary and Secondary-student athletes in terms of their already complete sports venues and facilities.
Aside from hosting the 2015 Palarong Pambansa, the City of Tagum successfully hosted the annual Batang Pinoy meet, which is considered as one of those factors that affected the PSC’s decision to grant Tagum City the hosting rights.
The city of Tagum can boasts an Olympic standard track and field oval which could even feature some night games and a swimming pool equipped with modern timing facility.
The Palarong Pambansa is an annual sports program by the Department of Education in cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). The game will serve as a grassroots program where potential national pool athletes are discovered and a venue for college schools to tap varsity recruits.