A technical inspection team from the Palarong Pambansa is in Ilocos Norte to check the province’s sports facilities and capabilities in its bid to host the games in 2025, an official of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Ilocos Norte said Tuesday.

Gene Reginaldo, education program supervisor and division sports officer of the DepEd-Ilocos Norte, said they conducted an orientation for the inspection team which will be in the province until July 7 to go around the facilities, including schools in the cities of Laoag and Batac that could house delegates from the country’s 17 regions.

“The facilities of private institutions such as the Divine Word College Laoag and the Northwestern University here may also be used for sports events,” he said.

With two years of preparation, Reginaldo said the province would have enough time to host the 2025 national sports event.

Earlier this year, a world-class Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium reopened to accommodate larger events.

With an indoor seating capacity of 12,000 and an open field to accommodate more, the Ilocos Norte government expressed confidence that it is now capable to host major events such as the Palarong Pambansa.

The upgrading of the sports stadium began in 2019 under the administration of then-Governor and now Senator Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos to promote a healthy lifestyle among residents.

Aside from hosting sports events, the Marcos stadium serves as a training ground for athletes and a regular hangout venue of runners and Zumba dancers of all ages.

The Marcos stadium last underwent renovation and had its oval track rubberized between 2008 and 2009. (PNA)