House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III rallied the nation’s student-athletes at the opening of the Palarong Pambansa, describing the country’s premier youth sports event as a powerful catalyst for the youth to dream big, work hard, and realize their full potential both on and off the field.
In a video message welcoming thousands of participants to Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, where the games are being held from May 24 to 31, Dy emphasized the transformative impact of sports.
“Nawa’y magsilbing inspirasyon ang Palarong Pambansa upang mas marami pang kabataan ang mangarap, magsikap, at maniwala sa kanilang kakayahan (May the Palarong Pambansa serve as an inspiration so that more youth will dream, strive, and believe in their capabilities),” Dy said.
The House leader noted that the national games transcend athletic rivalries, serving as a platform for holistic personal development and community cohesion.
“Sports has the power to unite communities, inspire excellence, and shape character. Dito nahuhubog ang resiliency, leadership, at fighting spirit na dadalhin ninyo hindi lamang sa laro kundi maging sa buhay (This is where the resiliency, leadership, and fighting spirit are forged—qualities you will carry not just in the game, but also in life),” he added.
Addressing the student-athletes representing various regions across the archipelago, the Speaker challenged them to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship.
“Sa ating mga atleta: compete with passion, play with integrity, and represent your schools, communities, and regions with pride and honor (To our athletes, compete with passion, play with integrity, and represent your schools, communities, and regions with pride and honor),” he said.
Dy maintained that the ultimate value of the Palarong Pambansa lies not in the podium finishes, but in the enduring life lessons garnered through rigorous training and camaraderie.
“It goes beyond sports—it is an opportunity for our youth to build character, form lifelong friendships, learn the value of perseverance, and discover how far hard work and determination can take them,” the Speaker remarked.
He also paid tribute to the grit and determination displayed by the youth just to qualify for the national arena.
“Sa bawat ensayo, bawat pawis, bawat sakripisyo, at bawat laban, ipinapakita ninyo ang tunay na diwa ng sportsmanship at ang lakas ng kabataang Pilipino (In every practice, every sweat, every sacrifice, and every fight, you show the true spirit of sportsmanship and the strength of the Filipino youth),” Dy added.
Reminding the delegates that making it to the prestigious meet is a milestone in itself, Dy offered words of comfort and validation to all competitors.
“Hindi man lahat ay mag-uuwi ng medalya, lahat ng nakarating dito ay maituturing nang panalo dahil sa dedikasyon at tiyagang inyong ipinakita (Even if not everyone takes home a medal, everyone who made it here can already be considered a winner because of the dedication and perseverance you have shown),” he noted.
The House leader concluded by expressing gratitude to the coaches, teachers, parents, volunteers, and local organizers whose collective guidance and support made the massive sporting event possible.