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Marikina will host the Palarong Pambansa for the first time in the city's history. Ivan Saldajeno (file photo)
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By Drew Malihan
MANILA—Marikina City will serve as the host of the 2020 Palarong Pambansa, according to a memorandum released by the Department of Education (DepEd).
In an unnumbered memorandum from DepEd Undersecretary Atty. Revsee Escobedo, Palarong Pambansa's Secretary-General, Marikina City will step up as the games' host in place of the original host Occidental Mindoro.
Occidental Mindoro was devastated by Typhoon "Tisoy" in November, with damages amounting to more than P800 million, according to a PIA report.
The local government unit saw the 2020 hosting budget to be allocated instead to help the victims of the said typhoon.
It was the supposed first-ever hosting of the said province and the second in the Mimaropa region after Puerto Princesa City hosted the games in 2008.
Escobero also tasked the Division of Marikina City to submit a list of possible sporting venues and billeting areas for the delegates.
It will be the first time for Marikina to host the Palaro, as the 1980 edition was canceled to give way to the only edition of the Palarong Bagong Lipunan.
The hosting also means the National Capital Region will host the games for the fifth time, with the last edition in Quezon City in 1966.
NCR will try to vie for the 16th overall championship crown.
Follow him on Twitter: @drewmalihan
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