DAVAO ORIENTAL— “Davaorientalympics”— a sports event in celebration of the province’s 52nd anniversary, was officially opened on June 17.

Clad in colorful uniforms, the whole officialdom of the Province of Davao Oriental marched early morning yesterday from the Capitol’s Welcome Arch up to the Capitol Covered Court. Participants of the parade are employees of the different provincial government offices, national agencies, and local government units, who are grouped into eight clusters, bearing the name of the province’s famous tourism spots.

During the opening ceremonies, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, in a message delivered for him by Provincial Administrator Art Benjie Bulaong, underscored how important it is for the employees to engage in sports activities.

“The past years brought so much joy and promise to us. There is a big hope for us in Davao Oriental. And this is just the start of bigger and greater things to come for us, although the journey has been and will still be rough and difficult. As we continue to champion the creation of an enabling environment for our people to enjoy a long, healthy and creative lives, let me remind you, my beloved fellow workers in the government, of how very valuable you are because you are the real wealth of our community. Through this sports event, we instill good values, team work, fair play, sportsmanship and discipline that would help us transform into better versions of ourselves,” he said.

Governor Dayanghirang said that the province’s theme for this year, which is “Continue Towards Inclusive Development, is “what serves as the fire and drive in every man and woman of our local government, all working for the betterment of our people.”

Human Resource Department Head Reynaldo Bicoy, who is the Provincial Sports Coordinator led the lighting of the “Davaorientalympics” flame.

After officially declaring the annual sports event officially open, the first sports event called “Larong Pinoy” and Zumba session immediately ensued.

The eight clusters who will compete for this year’s games are: Hamiguitan Eco-Rangers, Boston Pacific View Thunders, Pintatagan Byaheroes, Aliwagwag Splashers, Pusan Point Risers, Cape San Agustin Grey Joys, Subangan Greyfferdor, and Baganga Sunrise Boulevard Warriors. Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan and Paolo Venus