LINGAYEN–President Benigno Aquino III will be the guest of honor and speaker during the opening of the 2012 Palarong Pambansa at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) here.

But to accommodate the President’s availability, the opening ceremony has been moved to May 7 from the original May 6.

This was announced by Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. following a meeting with the Palarong Pambansa executive committee attended by Department of Education Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali.

Notwithstanding the adjustment in schedule, however, some of the games originally scheduled on May 6 will still be played.

Some 10,000 athletes from 17 regions throughout the country are seeing action in the competitions that will be held at the NRSCC and other venues in Lingayen, Binmaley as well as Dagupan and San Carlos cities.

The provincial government aims to make this year’s Palaro set new standards for the event with the strict enforcement of a ban on plastic and styrofoams in line with the campaign for clean and green environment and the live streaming of all games from all playing sites.

GUN BAN

Meanwhile, Fourth District Board Member Jeremy Rosario has proposed the implementation of a total gun ban within Pangasinan from May 6 to 12.

However, his fellow members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) are lukewarm to the proposal.

Rosario who said the proposal was suggested by the Philippine National Police (PNP), was surprised by the reactions of his colleagues but later conceded that “we really have to be careful especially in the implementation of a total gun ban”.

The board members have agreed to hold consultations with the PNP.

He said his proposal is a pre-emptive action for the Palarong Pambansa and during the Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) on May 1.

Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr., chair of the SP, said while he agrees for a need to ensure peace and order especially during the holding of the big national event, “there is a need to thoroughly study its implications and complications”.

On the other hand, Sixth District Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr. said the PNP can implement a gun ban if it deems it necessary even without any resolution passed by the provincial board.—Eva Visperas

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