26/05/2026
𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: 𝗔𝗴𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝘂𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮 ‘𝟮𝟲 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝘂𝘁
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 Sur’s first-ever hosting of the Palarong Pambansa, the national games ushered more than 10,718 student-athletes from the country’s 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.
“Today, the center of Philippine sports is here. The people of this province did not wait to be told to prepare,” 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
