By MARK REY MONTEJO
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – After a six-year hiatus, the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games hopes to return with a bang with four countries ready to slug it out for glory – not to mention renew friendship and camaraderie – starting Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex here.
After the unveiling of the official mascot Batik, presentation of token and welcome dinner on Saturday, Nov. 30, all delegates will join forces in the parade alongside local government officials headed by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann.
This, to celebrate the rich culture and in order to restore and strengthen their relationship not only in sports but also to nuture the subregional economic development in each country.
The Philippines goes for a promising stint this time around, hoping to capture its second overall title – which its first achieved 21 years ago – over its neighboring countries in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and reigning champion Malaysia.
On tap in the week-long are eight events – archery, athletics, badminton, esports, karate, pencak silat, sepak takraw, and swimming.
This marks the country’s fourth hosting of the event and second in this charming seashore city – the first in 2003.
General Santos City played host to the inaugural event in 1996 while the 2020 edition scheduled in Davao City was cancelled due to Covid pandemic.
