The Philippine Sports Commission and the Municipality of Salcedo in Ilocos Sur expressed its hundred-percent readiness for the inaugural leg of the Indigenous People’s Games this year.

IP Games’ technical working group from the sports agency made a courtesy visit to Municipal Mayor Ninya Grazielle Gironella-Itchon to iron out the final details for the smooth staging of the games which is specialized in promotion of traditional practices and establishment of harmony among indigenous communities.

The lady town leader informed the PSC team that all logistics needed are in place to achieve a safe staging of the games and give all the indigenous participants the excellent experience of engaging into sports.

The games will feature traditional sports namely patalunton, kadang-kadang, pika, lipay, gabbo, sinangduan, binnurang-itan, bekang, sunay, and banga relay to be played out in Salcedo National High School where 247 participants will be showcasing their strength..

“We are totally ready for this year’s IP Games. We thank the LGU of Salcedo for helping us spread the agenda of PSC for the sake of indigenous communities using sports,” IP Games project head Elias Samorin stated.

A total of  14 participating towns from Ilocos Sur will be at the centerstage of the games namely Cervantes, Gregorio del Pilar, Lidlidda, Suyo, Banayoyo, Burgos, Galimuyod, Nagbukel, Quirino, Salcedo, Sugpon, Alilem, San Emilio, and Sigay. 

The playing venue is just a walk away from the Salcedo Municipal Hall, and beside the St. Joseph Parish Church that enjoys the backdrop of the portion of a scenic view from the Cordillera Central Mountain Range.

IP Games is one of the staple projects of the agency in partnership with the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) which was inaugurated in 2018 at Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

The 2024 edition of the games will commence tomorrow, April 19, which will be spearheaded by oversight Commissioner Matthew ‘Fritz’ Gaston, and will also feature Indigenous People’s Forum and Photo Contest.

The Photo Contest is open for all Philippine-based photographers, amateur or professional, who are willing to capture moments limited only during the opening ceremony and game proper of the games, taking in courtesy the ethics and limitations in covering IP members.

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