President Duterte encourages youth to be active in sports, stay away from drugs

Craig Gimongala, an athlete from Davao Region, leads the lighting of the friendship cauldron during the 2019 Palarong Pambansa opening ceremony at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex on April 28, 2019. JOEY DALUMPINES/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

DAVAO CITY – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte highlighted sports as an effective avenue to instill in the youth essential characteristics for nation-building during the opening ceremonies of Palarong Pambansa 2019 at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex on Sunday, April 28.

According to the Chief Executive, sports plays an important role in encouraging the youth to live a healthy lifestyle and keep away from illegal drugs.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte takes a bow before the young athletes during the 2019 Palarong Pambansa opening ceremony at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex on April 28, 2019. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Duterte also encouraged the parents of the athletes to support their children in engaging into sports and inspire them to do their best in academics.

“Sports is truly an effective avenue to instill among the youth essential characteristics for nation-building such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance and all,” he said.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) campaign rally at the South Cotabato Sports Complex in Koronadal City on March 26, 2019. RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

“Thus, I encourage parents to support their children to engage in sports and inspire them to always do their best in balancing sports and academics,” he added.

President Duterte assured that the government would continue to support our athletes in their endeavors so that they may bring glory to the country.

“Let me assure you that the government will continue to promote physical education and other relevant sports programs that will support our athletes in reaching for their dreams and aspirations,” the President said.

Thousands of young athletes take their oath of sportsmanship and amateurism during the opening ceremony of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa led by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex on April 28, 2019. JOEY DALUMPINES/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

“We will empower them to become the best in their respective fields so they may bring pride to our nation when they compete in international events,” he added.

Towards the end of his speech, President Duterte asked the support of the athletes regarding his campaign against drugs, criminality, and corruption.

Officials from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao take a solemn moment during the opening ceremony of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa led by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the Davao City-UP Sports Complex on April 28, 2019. JOEY DALUMPINES/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

“This administration remains determined in pursuing [its] campaign to eradicate illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption. I need your support, our young athletes, in this endeavor if we are to ensure a safe and progressive future for the next generation of Filipinos,” he said.


Stay updated with news and information from the Presidential Communications Operations Office by visiting their website at https://pcoo.gov.ph.

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