Palarong Quezon 2025 returns stronger than ever

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Lucban athletes celebrate after emerging as the overall top performers of Palarong Quezon 2025. (Lucban LGU) LUC...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Lucban athletes celebrate after emerging as the overall top performers of Palarong Quezon 2025. (Lucban LGU)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Thousands of young athletes from across the province gathered as Palarong Quezon 2025 unfolded this week, marking another staging of Quezon’s largest annual inter-municipal sports competition. Opening on Monday, November 24, the event ran until November 30 and carried the theme “Atletang Quezonian: Pinanday sa Tiyaga at Husay ng Pagsasanay, Aabutin ang Tagumpay.”

Delegations from 39 towns and two cities paraded with school banners and team colors, signaling another year of athletic excellence and community pride. An estimated 13,000 athletes from public schools across the province participated in this year’s games.



The opening ceremony at the Quezon Convention Center began with the raising of the Division Athletic Association Meet (DAAM) flag, followed by the hoisting of school banners from all delegations. The program also featured the athletes’ oath and the ceremonial lighting of the cauldron, symbolizing the official start of the provincial sports festival.

Vice Governor Third Alcala, speaking on behalf of Governor Angelina “Helen” Tan, commended the resilience and dedication of the province’s young athletes. He said their determination continues to inspire the youth across Quezon.

This year’s edition places strong emphasis on youth development, sportsmanship, and grassroots talent discovery. Provincial officials said the event identifies top young athletes for regional and national competitions while strengthening values shaped through sports.

Governor Angelina “Helen” Tan highlighted the games as a unifying force that strengthens camaraderie among Quezonians. She emphasized that the Palaro not only showcases athletic talent but also reinforces discipline and integrity among the youth.

The competition featured a wide range of events, including athletics, swimming, basketball, volleyball, sepak takraw, table tennis, taekwondo, arnis, and chess. New categories promoting inclusive and adaptive sports were introduced across elementary, secondary, SNED ParaGames, ALS, and Demo Sports.

As the tournament progressed, results reflected intense rivalries among the delegations. On December 1, the province released the final and official medal tally confirming Lucban’s dominant performance with 69 gold, 63 silver, and 46 bronze medals.

Sariaya followed closely with 60 gold, 58 silver, and 57 bronze, securing second place overall. Lopez finished third with 37 gold, 13 silver, and 27 bronze.

Lucban celebrated its triumph after securing the Overall Champion title in Palarong Quezon 2025. The town also earned first place in Regular Sports for the Elementary Level and third place in Regular Sports for the Secondary Level.

The delegation’s strong showing reflected consistent performances across events and divisions, highlighting the effectiveness of Lucban’s grassroots sports development efforts. This achievement demonstrated how steady training support and coordinated preparation across local schools helped sustain the town’s competitive edge throughout the meet.

Mayor Agustin “Tenten” Villaverde, along with Vice Mayor Marvin Loui Villaseñor and the Sangguniang Bayan, expressed gratitude to the students who brought distinction to the community. They also credited PSDS Maria Carla M. Caraan, Dr. Reynaldo Nanong, and the town’s school heads, teachers, trainers, and coaches for their essential role in preparing the athletes.

In division results, Lucban dominated the elementary division with 45 gold medals while Sariaya ruled the secondary level with 49 gold. Strong performances also came from Atimonan in the SNED ParaGames, Mulanay in ALS, and Infanta in Demo Sports with 15 gold.

Security, medical, and logistical teams were deployed across all venues to ensure safe and smooth operations. Emergency response units, marshals, and medical stations were placed in strategic locations to provide immediate assistance to athletes and spectators.

Crowds filled venues in Lucena City and nearby towns throughout the weeklong event. Local businesses reported increased activity as families and supporters traveled to watch their athletes compete. With competitions concluded on November 30, delegations prepared for the awarding ceremonies. Final recognitions honored outstanding athletes, coaches, and teams at the close of Palarong Quezon 2025.