He highlighted the values of discipline, camaraderie, and perseverance.
In a speech at the Cagayan Provincial Athletic Association (CPAA) Meet held earlier this January, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. encouraged young athletes to give their best and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship.
“Patuloy pa rin ang palakasan dahil ito ang pinakamagandang training para sa ating mga kabataan dahil natututo tayo ng disiplina, natututo tayo ng camaraderie. Natututo tayo at kung paano pagka kahit na medyo nadapa ay babangon ulit para manalo ulit, para maging champion,” he said.
The chief executive also emphasized the importance of continuing to promote sports among the youth. “Kaya ipagpatuloy natin ito. We will continue to encourage sports amongst our young people because as far as I’m concerned, there is no downside to sport.“
He continued by adding that participation in athletic activities teaches valuable life lessons beyond the playing field.
“Lahat ng makukuha ninyo, lahat ng mga ugali, lahat ng mga leksyon na matututunan ninyo dahil kayo ay sumasabak sa palakasan… ay magagamit ninyo sa inyong mga buhay. Makakatulong sa inyo,” the President added.
In line with this, the President said the government is reincorporating sports administration into the Department of Education (DepEd).
“Dati, ang DePEd, ang tawag diyan DECS – Department of Education, Culture and Sports. Tinanggal ang sports sa eskwelahan. Dahan-dahan nating binabalik sa eskuwelahan at para lahat ng ating kabataan ay nakakaranas ng sport, nakakapagpalakas ng katawan, at matututo paano makisama sa ibang team at ibang tao,” he told.
The CPAA Meet served as an avenue for the selection of provincial entries to the region-wide Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association Meet which will be conducted in April 2026. In turn, that will be a prelude to the nationwide Palarong Pambansa, which will happen in May 2026.