201"5 Palarong Pambansa to highlight peace laruary 29,2015 PASIG CITY -- The Departurent of Blucation (DepEd) signed a Memorandum of Ageemert with the Provincial Govemment ofDavao del Norte, the host for the upcoming Palarong Panbansa 2015 in Tagum City. With the theme, "Breakiug borders, Building Peace," DepEd and the parhrer LGU aim to highlight the importanae of sports and solidarity in pursuing alrd inculcating peace amoog young Filipinos. Education Secrctary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said thal, "Davao del Norte is known not only for promoting peace aad development within their region but of the whole of Mndanao. That is why when people aslq 'Is it safe to do the games in Mindanao," we answer, 'Why not?"' Luisto e\tended his gmtitude and congrdtulations to the host region and sai4 "We axe pleased that the winner ofthe bidding, as host for the coming games, had come ftom Moda.ao. We thank the Provincial Govemment ofDavao del Norte for taking charge ofPalaro 2015." The Palarong Pambansa houses thousands of student athletes participating in various sporting evenfs. Host rcgion Davao del Norte will be providing the facilities for the events, the billeting quarte$ for the sports ofrcials and technical staff, and the taDspoflation of all participants, among other tlings. Davao del Node Govemor Rodolfo del Rosario highlighted thc impodanca of this competitiorL not only for the region but for the whole nation. He said, "With this geat privilege, comes a big responsibility of advancing both physical aad social significance ofthe national games - particularly in promoting the ideals of hamony, solidarity, and toterance." He also mentionsd that for the coming national games they will "show the world that sports may be a tool to achi€ve peace," DepEd Assistant Secretary and Palarong Pambansa Secretary Genenl Tonisito MC Umali, Esq. highlighted the importance ofthe mtional games and said, 'Napakahalaga nitong Palarong Pambansa 2015 dahil rma itong pagkakataoa na isasagawa ang Palaro sa ilalim ng bagong batas na na nagngangalarg Palarong Pambansa Law." Luisko then challenged the cotrgegatioD and said that "This event is a perfect avenue to prcmote peace. There is no other perfect \ray to do that but tfuough sports, where most ofour student athletss will live out ard dialogue with other players, not recessa.ily though words but through deeds, gestures, and actions which show that peace is possible, that peace is here and now."#.