CEBU CITY — Cebu City is optimistic that hosting this year's Palarong Pambansa will boost Central Visayas's chances of topping the medal tally and walking away with the overall championship.

Last year, Central Visayas placed fifth overall at the games held in Marikina City. This year, local officials are confident the home advantage will propel the region to the top.

Director Salustiano Jimenez of the Department of Education - Central Visayas said Cebu City is leveraging its role as host to gain a competitive edge for Region 7.

Jimenez told The Manila Times that he expects the athletes to secure most of the gold medals, citing community support and the advantage of competing at home.

He highlighted the psychological boost to the athletes playing on familiar turf in front of family and friends.

"Support from families, friends and the community can be a game-changer, inspiring them to perform their best," Jimenez said.

John Pages, head of the Cebu City Sports Commission, said in a separate interview with The Times that each local government unit in the region has diligently trained their student-athletes for the national sporting event.

Pages added that the Cebu City Sports Commission has also undertaken extensive preparations to ensure the athletes have everything they need to succeed.

This is echoed by Acting City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia who said that while they are focused on preparing on the staging of the whole event, he assured that he has not forgotten the Cebu City Niños Team during their preparation.

Additionally, Jimenez said he expects the Cebu City team to dominate the sport dancing category for both elementary and high school levels, given the city's strong reputation in this sport.

At least 12,000 students are expected to participate in this year's Palarong Pambansa, coming from 19 delegations.

There are only 17 competing regions in the country but this year, two additional delegations have been added such as the Philippine schools based overseas and the National Academy for Sports.

The Palarong Pambansa will be held from July 6 to July 17, with the opening ceremony slated on July 9.

Last year, the National Capital Region topped the medal tally in the elementary and secondary levels. Next year, the annual games will be hosted by Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.