The 2026 Palarong Pambansa will be held in Agusan del Sur. Handout/Agusan del Sur Provincial Government
MANILA -- Agusan del Sur is close to full readiness for the 2026 edition of the Palarong Pambansa, with provincial officials reporting a 97.25% overall readiness as the country's largest grassroots sporting event draws closer.
Around 20,000 athletes, coaches, and officials are expected to converge in the province for the multi-sport meet, putting Agusan del Sur at the center of Philippine youth athletics this year.
Governor Santiago Cane said preparations, particularly for infrastructure such as playing venues and billeting quarters, are already in their final stages.
He added that nothing can derail the hosting of the Palaro except force majeure, despite earlier concerns over the global oil crisis.
READ: 'All systems go' for Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur
"Buti na lang at medyo gumanda ang situation, and as we can see it, we are now on the road to the grand opening on May 24, 2026," he said in a press conference on Monday.
Among the key challenges faced by organizers were rising prices of basic commodities and construction delays earlier this year. However, contractors were able to catch up, allowing preparations to remain on schedule.
"We were forced to come up with austerity measures dito sa kapitolyo. Yung na-approve na budget, for example, for fuel and oil for mobility, ay nag-more than 100% ang pag-akyat," Cane said.
Of the 42 playing venues, 35 are already complete, while the remaining seven are undergoing final touches such as repainting.
Twenty-four of the venues are located within the provincial government center in Prosperidad. The rest are spread across Bayugan City (6), Talacogon (3), San Francisco (4), Bunawan (2), Rosario (1), and Esperanza (1).
The provincial government is also closely monitoring rates for homestays, accommodations, and transportation, urging the public to report any incidents of overpricing.
To ensure the safety of all participants, organizers will also deploy rescue and medical teams, as well as patient transport vehicles, in all billeting areas and playing venues.
This comes after a student-athlete died at a billeting quarter during the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association (BARMMAA) Meet 2026 last month, prompting organizers to strengthen safety measures.
Transport arrangements are also in place, with buses and vans set to ferry arriving delegates from the Port of Nasipit and Bancasi Airport to various venues across the province.
While most preparations have been finalized, organizers have yet to disclose key details, including whether President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will attend the opening ceremony and who will have the honor of lighting the cauldron.
Beyond hosting duties, Agusan del Sur is also set to introduce several firsts in Palaro history, including fully air-conditioned billeting quarters and a centralized awarding ceremony for gold medalists.