The 2026 Palarong Pambansa will be held in Agusan del Sur. Handout/Agusan del Sur Provincial Government
AGUSAN DEL SUR -- The provincial government of Agusan del Sur and the Department of Education say they are all set for the 66th edition of the Palarong Pambansa, a day before the opening ceremony of the weeklong sporting event.
Thousands of student-athletes, coaches, officials, and tourists are now in Agusan del Sur for the multi-sport showcase, with games starting last Friday for football, basketball, and tennis.
The jam-packed opening ceremony will feature an air exhibition by the Philippine Air Force, a parade of athletes, and festive cultural dances highlighting provincial traditions.
Guests include Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and Education Secretary Sonny Angara, as well as several guest performers.
READ: Agusan del Sur nearly 100% ready for Palarong Pambansa
"The magnitude of our preparations is a clear demonstration of how much the Province of Agusan del Sur values the youth of the entire Philippines," Governor Santiago Cane Jr. said in a press conference on Saturday.
This year's edition of the Palaro also introduced several historical firsts, including giving greater importance to para-athletes competing in the Para Games, whose delegation will lead the parade of student-athletes during the opening ceremony.
Organizers also said it is the first time in Palaro history that all billeting quarters are air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi internet access. Athletes were also provided with customized care kits, including bed foams, tumblers, and comprehensive hygiene kits.
Meanwhile, the DepEd also acknowledged the risks posed by the hot and humid weather and said precautions have been put in place to ensure the welfare and safety of the participants.
Education Undersecretary Malcolm Garma said they have a daily situation report that includes prevailing temperatures and the possibility of rain, with the data serving as a guide in deciding whether to suspend games due to intense heat.
"May mga forecast na tayo. More or less, we will be able to determine ano ba ang heat index prevailing during this week and on a daily basis. So part of the policy is flexibility in terms of the game schedule," he said.
If the heat index reaches dangerous levels for student-athletes, organizers will suspend outdoor games from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and adjust the succeeding game schedules accordingly.
Organizers also assured the safety and security of all participants, with over 2,000 uniformed personnel deployed across the province to secure playing venues, billeting quarters, and public spaces.
Rescue and medical teams have also been deployed not only at playing venues but also at the billeting quarters.