DepEd exec checks on prep status of 2024 Palaro

CEBU CITY – A ranking official of the Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday inspected the Cebu City Sports Center to ensure that preparations for the Palarong Pambansa 2024 from July 6 to 17 are on track.

Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas said the contractors rehabilitating the sports center as Palaro’s main venue this year assured her that their repair works were proceeding as scheduled.

“We are trying to look if there are still some refinements or minor adjustments that we need to make so that we can have the oval safe for the athletes,” Bringas told reporters during her site inspection at the city’s main sports facility.

The organizing committee, the official said, would have a final technical conference so that all the tournament directors could be briefed about the development.

Bringas lauded the city government for its satisfactory preparation despite the change in leadership caused by the six-month preventive suspension issued against Mayor Michael Rama due to a case pending before the Office of the Ombudsman.

“I’m proud and privileged to be visited by ASec Francis. She’s really here to oversee the preparations for the Palaro. I’m delighted what I’m hearing from her that she’s satisfied with what she sees,” acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said.

Garcia led Bringas to the grandstand of the sports center and checked on the ongoing rehabilitation of the 400-meter track oval.

Bringas and Garcia were joined during the inspection by Councilor Jerry Guardo, Cebu City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Nimfa Bongo, Cebu City Sports Commission chairman John Pages, and other education officials. (PNA)