The Inter-Barangay Sportsfest 2017 opened last December 9 with a parade of participants around the town and a program at the Events Center.
According to Local Youth Development Office Executive Director Dr. Joel T. Cayabyab, 59 barangays will be participating in the basketball tournament for boys and 60 barangays in volleyball tournament for girls.

Gracing the program were Vice-Mayor Raul R. Sabangan, Municipal Physical Fitness and Sports Development Council (MPFSDC) Executive Director Prof. Bernardo Jimenez, Chairman of the Sangguniang Bayan’s Committee on Youth Affairs and Sports Development Councilor Philip Dumalanta, Councilors Amory Junio, Mylvin ‘Boying’ Junio, and Martin Terrado II, OIC Municipal Administrator Atty. Raymund R. Bautista Jr., and the Punong Barangays of participating barangays.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Jimenez acknowledged the role of Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao, who happened to be out of town, in making the Palaro a reality. This year’s theme, he said, is ‘Kasil tan Abig na Laman, Sekder na Balon Bayambang.’

Councilor Dumalanta, on the other hand, pointed out the real purpose of the sportsfest: to produce athletes that will make the town proud someday.
“Basketball is a physical game, so be sure to practice sportsmanship. Take this opportunity to form new friends,” he added. “Be the best barangay team!”

Atty. Bautista, in his own speech, expounded on the purpose of the sportsfest: “Hindi lang ito paglalaro at para humusay ang laro, kundi pakikipagkaibigan din, pagpapaunlad ng sarili upang tumibay ang katawan, maging physically fit, lumiksi… this is also about our attitude, motivation, ang ating pananaw sa laro.”

“Success isn’t achieved overnight. Michael Jordan made it because he trained all the time,” he added.

“Let me end by saying, ‘Don’t limit your challenges, but rather challenge your limits.’”

In his closing remarks, Vice-Mayor Sabangan reminded the audience that this event is all about Mayor CTQ’s desire to develop our youth.”

“Thanks to our unity today, we can be sure this will be successful,” he said.

MPFSDC members Ron-Eli Colisao and Tito Mayo took turns orienting the athletes about the rules. Then the ceremonial lighting of the torch and pledge of sportsmanship by Bayambang Warriors member Gerald Marcellana officially signaled the start of the games.

A special feature of the Palaro launching is the arrival of the Baby Falcons, Adamson University’s high school basketball and volleyball teams for an exhibition game with the Bayambang National High School basketball team and the University of Luzon women’s (college) volleyball team, respectively.

The sportsfest was organized by the MPFSDC, which counts among its members Bayambang’s referees and physical education teachers.