Pacquiao to grace Indigenous Peoples Games in GenSan this October

The final leg of the 2024 Indigenous Peoples (IP) Games is set to take place on October 26 at the Acharon Sports Complex in General Santos City. The event will feature eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao as a special guest, bringing added excitement to the cultural sports showcase.

The two-day competition will bring together participants from indigenous communities across Sarangani Province and General Santos City. Athletes will compete in 10 traditional sports, including Gamti (archery), Fire Making, Kasing (spinning top), Skuya (foot race), Kadang Kadang (stilt race), Kmahung (swimming relay), Tug of War, Bangkaw (spear throwing), Bayo sa Palay (rice pounding), and Sudol (wrestling).

Representatives from National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XII, Department of Education (DepEd) General Santos City, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs), and other local partner agencies.

Delegations from Sarangani’s municipalities—Alabel, Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, Maitum, Malapatan, and Malungon—along with the host city, General Santos, will participate in the event.

Pacquiao, joined by his brother Sarangani Governor Rogelio Pacquiao and General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, will welcome participants and guests at the opening ceremony. Officials from the Philippine Sports Commission, including Commissioner Matthew “Fritz” Gaston, the project’s lead, and Commissioner Walter Francis Torres, will also attend.

City Sports and Games Development Division Chief Ms. Lady Margaret Manalo of Local Sports Officials of General Santos City together with her staff (Left), Manny Pacquaio, and Office staff of Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Matthew 'Fritz' Gaston (Right). — City Sports and Games Development Division Chief Ms. Lady Margaret Manalo of Local Sports Officials of General Santos City together with her staff (Left), Manny Pacquaio, and Office staff of Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Matthew ‘Fritz’ Gaston (Right).

“We are encouraged by the overwhelming support from the local communities and officials, which makes it easier to achieve our goal of promoting traditional games and cultural heritage,” said Commissioner Gaston.

The Mindanao leg marks the conclusion of this year’s IP Games, following the successful Visayas leg held in Bago City, Negros Occidental, last month.

Since 2018, the Philippine Sports Commission has organized the IP Games in response to UNESCO’s call for preserving cultural heritage worldwide. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las will also be present to show support for the event.

The Indigenous Peoples Games continue to celebrate and preserve the cultural traditions and sports of the Philippines’ indigenous communities, fostering unity and pride among participants and spectators alike.