The 2026 Palarong Pambansa will be held in Agusan del Sur. Handout/Agusan del Sur Provincial Government
MANILA -- It's "all systems go" for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, the provincial government of Agusan del Sur said on Monday as it gears up to host the multi-sport competition for student-athletes for the first time.
With over a month before the games, the provincial government said it is 80% ready in its preparations across all aspects of the Palarong Pambansa, which is expected to draw around 20,000 participants, coaches, officials, and staff from all 18 regions of the Philippines.
According to the provincial engineer, playing venues are 85% complete, while billeting quarters are 73% finished, with infrastructure preparations targeted for completion by the end of the month.
Governor Santiago Cane Jr. said local governments from cities and municipalities are working hand in hand to accommodate contingents, as billeting quarters and playing venues are spread across the province.
The upcoming Palarong Pambansa is set to take place at a time when a state of national energy emergency due to the 2026 war in the Middle East could still occur.
Cane admitted this is one of their concerns; however, there has been no declaration yet from national authorities to postpone the national student-athlete games.
"Actually that is one of our worries, but not until the Palarong Pambansa national board or the president declares otherwise, we have to continue the preparation. This crisis is not just in Agusan del Sur, not just in the country. This is a worldwide crisis on energy and fuel, etc. But we have already prepared for all this since it was announced that Agusan del Sur won its bid to host in 2024," he said in a media briefing on Monday.
The Palaro officially opens on May 24.
Department of Education Caraga Regional Director Maria Ines Asuncion said preparations will continue, though austerity measures will be implemented to conserve energy amid the crisis.
"We also exercise austerity measures… Before, we [would] have very decorative billeting quarters [but that] can be gone. We will not practice anymore overdecorating our billeting quarters," she said.
About P1.7 billion has been allocated by the province of Agusan del Sur for the Palaro, sourced from the general fund, special education fund, and trust fund, including contributions from district representatives.
Around 2,000 personnel from the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will also be deployed to secure billeting areas and playing venues to ensure the safety of contingents.
FULLY-BOOKED ACCOMMODATIONS, SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAN
The 2026 Palarong Pambansa will be held in Agusan del Sur. Handout/Agusan del Sur Provincial Government
Meanwhile, many hotels and accommodations in Agusan del Sur have already been fully booked as the Palaro approaches.
The provincial government has called for homestay accommodations and urged visitors to stay in neighboring towns and provinces.
Cane said the games may be watched via live streaming on social media and official websites for those unable to stay in Agusan del Sur.
As temperatures are expected to rise during the summer season, organizers will also not hold outdoor sports events from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cane also reminded locals and visitors that the ban on single-use plastics will be strictly enforced throughout the Palaro.
Individuals bringing plastic bottles and other single-use plastics will not be allowed to enter the playing venues.
Water tumblers will be provided to every athlete and sports official, along with refilling stations.
The provincial government has also sent invitations to the president and other officials to attend the opening ceremony on May 24.
"You will be witnessing a Palarong Pambansa opening ceremony that is unique only to Agusan del Sur. We might not be the best but we will try our best," Cane said.
"This Palaro is not about competition, but also about celebrating our culture, our pride. Beyond sports, this event will boost our local economy of the whole Caraga region," Asuncion said.