Manila, March 28 -- The Department of Education in Bicol (DepEd-5) is gearing up for the Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte on May 24 to June 2, eyeing to secure no lower than fifth place in the national games for grade school and secondary athletes.

In an interview on Friday, DepEd-5 Director Gilbert Sadsad said their main goal is to at least improve on their 10th-place finish last year.

"We previously reached seventh place, but we suddenly fell. Now, we want to reach the fifth place. It's an ambitious goal, but hopefully, we can achieve it," Sadsad said.

He assured that preparations and training sessions will not be affected by the May 12 elections.

"The election has reduced the number of training and preparation days. A week before...