WITH the last time that Quezon City hosted the Palarong Pambansa was 1966 or 60 years ago, Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday announced that it has officially been named the host city of its 67th edition.
Belmonte told The Manila Times that she formally accepted the hosting responsibilities from Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. during the ceremonial turnover held at the closing ceremonies of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa held in the province.
“The 2027 Palarong Pambansa is a full circle moment for our city. The last time that QC hosted the Palarong Pambansa was 1966, sixty years ago, coinciding with the inauguration of our Amoranto Stadium,” the city chief executive said.
“Since then, our city has been home to some of the most defining moments in Philippine sports history,” she added.
Next year, the city aims to provide every student-athlete with a champion's experience worthy of the country's premier national sporting event and reflective of the city's culture of excellence.
“Quezon City knows what it means to host greatness. And this is the experience that we want every Palaro athlete to carry with them in 2027. A champions’ experience, the same feeling countless world-class athletes have known on our grounds,” Belmonte said.
She then cited QC’s role as a gateway connecting Filipinos from across the country, noting that the city's location makes it a fitting venue for a national gathering of young athletes.
"We thrive in the fact that all roads lead to, and through, us. We are proud to be connected to every corner of this great archipelago. And we carry this affinity with us as we open our home for next year's Palarong Pambansa," she stressed.
Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Undersecretary Malcolm Garma witnessed the turnover of the Palarong Pambansa banner.
With preparations now underway, the city government is calling on all QCitizens to take part in supporting and welcoming the nation in May 2027.
The hosting turnover marked the return of the annual event to the National Capital Region, four years after Marikina City hosted the games in 2023. ARLIE CALALO
