26/05/2026
๐๐๐ฆ๐ง๐ข๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐ง๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ง: ๐๐ด๐ฆ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ป๐ณ๐๐ฟ๐น๐ ๐ต๐ถ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐น๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ป๐ด ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ฎ โ๐ฎ๐ฒ ๐ต๐ผ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฏ๐๐
Agusan del Sur rolled out the welcome carpet for delegates of the 66th Palarong Pambansa with a show-stopping opening ceremony at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex on Sunday, May 24.
Marking Agusan del Surโs first-ever hosting of the Palarong Pambansa, the national games ushered more than 10,718 student-athletes from the countryโs 18 competing regions along with delegates from the National Academy of Sports and Philippine Schools Overseas.
The competition unfolds as 20 athletic contingents take center stage across 24 regular sports, including three demonstration events, four paras ports, and four exhibition categories.
Moreover, the national games transformed the sports complex into a spectacle of blue and yellow colors symbolizing the spirit of Palaro tu AgSur, followed by the Parade of Colors and the Entrance of Delegations from across the country.
In his opening address, Agusan del Sur Provincial Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. described the moment as the fulfillment of a long-held dream turned into reality.
โToday, the center of Philippine sports is here. The people of this province did not wait to be told to prepare,โ Cane said, emphasizing the unity, dedication, and hospitality of the AgSurnon community that made the historic national hosting possible.
The governor also reflected on the province's long-awaited journey toward hosting the Palaro, describing it as a 33-year dream first championed by former governor and congressman Democrito O. Plaza.
Furthermore, the ceremony proceeded with the formal Oath of Sportsmanship led by Palarong Pambansa 2025 Pencak Silat Gold Medalist, Precious Hope Sumile Maghuyis, followed by the Oath of Officiating Officials delivered by Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, underscoring the values of fairness, integrity, and excellence in competition.
Subsequently, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara then introduced President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who was represented by Undersecretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr. In the keynote message, the administration highlighted that the games are not only a test of athletic skill but also a platform for discipline, teamwork, and tibay ng loob.
Competition across all sporting events officially starts today, with games set to unfold according to their respective schedules and assigned venues.
For timely updates and the latest developments on the national games, stay connected to the official Palarong Pambansa 2026 page for further announcements and event coverage through this link: palarongpambansa2026.com
News by Renz Gian Aguilar
Graphics by Lex Abellanosa
