Lanao del Norte – With the aim of strengthening the political and economic ties between the two local government units, Lanao del Norte provincial government and Malaybalay City LGU recently concluded their goodwill games at the City Covered Court, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

The Goodwill Games started last September 2 to 4 at the sprawling Mindanao Civic Center in the capital town of Tubod, this province.
Among the sporting events included in the friendly matches are basketball, volleyball, lawn tennis, badminton, table tennis, tug-of-war and sack race.

“This initiative of Governor Khalid Dimaporo seeks to build stronger bonds between the cities and provinces in Region 10 to help further promote economic development in northern Mindanao. This year, we are starting with our close ally, Malaybalay City”, Provincial Information Officer Lyndon Calica said.

According to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region 10 Director Leon Dacanay, Jr., “Region 10 has the highest per capita in Mindanao and the third highest in the country”.

In the evening of October 22, Mayor Ignacio “Iñaki” Zubiri hosted the Mayor’s Night to thank Lanao del Norte contingent for its active participation as well as commend the athletes from both LGUs for exhibiting good sportsmanship.

Highlighting the Mayor’s Night are performances from the Bukidnon State University (BSU) chorale, BSU dancers, and Malaybalay LGU dancers.

“I hope everyone enjoyed their Malaybalay experience and come back next year for our grand celebration of the Kaamulan Festival”, Zubiri expressed.

Lanao Norte LGU bagged the championship title for the following sporting events – table tennis (men and women), volleyball (women), tug-of-war (men and women), lawn tennis (men and women), and sackrace (men). Meanwhile, Malaybalay LGU took home the winner’s trophy in the following games – badminton (men and women), basketball (men), volleyball (men), lawn tennis (women), and sackrace (women). VNL/PIO-LDN