Gov. Marcos Manotoc affirms support for Ilokano athletes at 2024 INDAA opening

"In the midst of us today are our many future champions, and may we hope that this event is one step in their growth not only as athletes but also as individuals and as members of the Ilokano community," Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc remarked during the opening program of the 2024 Ilocos Norte Division Athletic Association (INDAA) at the recently inaugurated Ferdinand E. Marcos (FEM) Stadium yesterday.

In his address, he also conveyed his enduring passion for sports and pledged support for Ilokano athletes, stating, “Of course, alam niyo naman po, that sports holds a special place in my heart. I will forever be a wannabe athlete, and I will forever support the Ilokano athletes.”

More than 1,000 athletic delegations of the Department of Education-Schools Division of Ilocos Norte comprised of athletes and coaches from four (4) competing units of the province, namely, the South Unit, Central Unit, East Unit, and North Unit.

Also present were officials from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, Division Office personnel, school heads, officiating officials, tournament managers, and stakeholders during the opening ceremony.

Mr. Emil John Lumabao, coach of the Basketball Team at Pinili National High School, expressed, "It brings pride and gives us goosebumps because we were the first to use our stadium. As we can see, it is not just a simple stadium but a world-class one."

Lumabao also articulated that the rehabilitation of the FEM Stadium will inspire young Ilokano athletes to continue playing as they now have access to better playing venues, allowing them to experience the government's support.

On the other hand, Ms. Trisha Camille Parico, a gymnast from Bacarra National Comprehensive High School, shared her excitement, saying, "It’s my first time being here at the Marcos Stadium. I am very thankful to the governor for providing us with this opportunity to perform in such a prestigious venue."

The 2024 INDAA Meet will conclude on January 18. Champions of various sports events will represent the province at the upcoming Region 1 Athletic Association Meet to be hosted by Ilocos Norte. The Province will likewise host the 2025 Palarong Pambansa.

As Ilocos Norte continues to solidify its status as a sports tourism hub of the north, the hosting of sports events reaffirms the Provincial Government’s dedication to advancing youth sports development in the province and the whole country.