The 2009 National Private Schools Athletic Association Games open today in Naga City with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as special guest during the opening ceremonies, a press release posted on the government website said.

Joining the President in the opening rites, be held at the University of Nueva Caceres Sports Palace are Budget Secretary and Cabinet Official for Regional Development Rolando Andaya, UNC Executive Vice President Lourdes Anonas, PRISAA National President Carlo Villanueva, PRISAA chair Gonzalo Duque, Camarines Sur Congressmen Dato Arroyo, (1st Dist.); Arnulfo Fuentebella, (2nd Dist.) and Felix Alfelor Jr., (3rd Dist.), and local officials led by Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo.

The PRISAA was organized on Feb. 17, 1953 through the initiative of the director of the bureau of private schools, Dr. Manuel Carreon, who encouraged the private schools all over the Philippines to join the PRISAA to further enhance the promotion of sports and academic competitions among private schools.

The association serves as the venue of sports, academic, and cultural development of Filipino youngsters who hope to bring pride, honor and prestige to their country.

PRISAA is committed to harnessing the potentials of the youth for excellence in sports, academic, and cultural activities for a strong republic.

The weeklong Games in Naga banners sports events such as athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, chess, dance sports, football, lawn tennis, karatedo, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, vocal solo, and the search for Mr. & Ms. PRISAA 2009.

Some 5,000 athletes and officials, representing 17 regions of the country, are expected to participate in the games.

This is the second time that Naga City will host the Games, the most prestigious athletic event among the country's private schools. The first time the city hosted the PRISAA Games was on Feb. 15-21, 1959, the press release said.

Aside from the UNC Sports Palace, the other venues of the national games are Metro Naga Sports Complex, Ateneo Xavier Hall and high school gym, Bicol Medical Center and Civic Center Lawn Tennis Court, and the Holy Rosary Seminary gym.

Post event activities on April 26 will include tours to the CamSur Water Sports Complex in Pili and Mayon Volcano in Albay.*

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