TAGUM CITY — A crowd of 18, 000 athletes, coaches and guardians from the country’s 17 regions gathered at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City to formally open the 2015 Palarong Pambansa Monday afternoon.

A Eucharistic Celebration led by Tagum Bishop Wilfredo D. Manlapaz at the Rodolfo Del Rosario (RDR) Gymnasium preceded the opening ceremony followed by the “Parade of Camaraderie and Friendship” where a colorful and enthusiastic display of each region’s best known identity wowed the audience.

Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon gave the sports event’s welcome address.National government officials in attendance include Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Secretary of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel A. Roxas, Director General for Education and Skills Development Authority Joel B. Villanueva.

Officials from the host-province present were Davao Del Norte Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario, and First District Congressman Anthony Rafael del Rosario, and Second District Representative Antonio Lagdameo, Jr.

Performances continued despite intermittent rain but the ceremony program was eventually held-off at 6pm. (davaotoday.com).