Friendly Azkals game heats up DavNor’s 46th anniversary

by Noel Baguio

Davao del Norte – The friendly match between the country’s national football team Philippine Azkals and the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office (DNPPO) squad, pumped up the celebration of the 46th founding anniversary of the province.
Under the sweltering heat of the sun, the Azkals and the all-star PNP team of the province slugged it out at the oval of the state-of-the-art Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, to the delight of over 3,000 spectators.
The DNPPO did try to drive the ball harder but they were no match to the overwhelming power, speed, and stamina of the Azkals, who easily settled the score at 6-1.
But, the local spectators did not feel bitter that their own team lost the friendly competition.
They jumped in jubilation when their home-grown team scored their only goal during the game. Yet they seemed to enjoy more every time the Azkals successfully kicked their powerful soccer shots to score a point.
“It is an honor to be here. Thank you for the very warm welcome,” Azkals hero and Team Captain Chieffy Caligdong said, after obliging to photo ops and signing the sweat-soaked shirts of the fans.
The members of the national team immediately conducted a football clinic after the game, in order to increase the skill levels of boys and girls in the sport.
Aside from providing an entertainment offering for the bountiful 46 years of existence of the province, Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said he invited the Azkals to drum up the interest of the Dabaonons to football as a sport that is very much suitable to general physical attribute of the Filipinos.
“The way to go for the Filipinos is football,” he said. “Dyan tayo may pag-asa.”
The governor also recognized the widest participation of all the sectors in the annual Davao Walk, which preceeded the anniversary program. Over 5,000 individuals joined the charity parade.
“The alay davao walk is our annual sacrifice, symbolizing the dream of generations past, the unity and cheerfulness of our people, and the journey along Daan Matuwid,” he said.


Pics DavNor Press release link  


GOALS :

Chieffy 2 goals, Araneta, Uy, Valmyaor and Chris Greatwich