Agusan del Sur marked a historic milestone on Sunday night, May 24, as it formally opened its first-ever hosting of the Palarong Pambansa, welcoming more than 16,000 delegates to the country’s biggest school-based sports competition.
The Department of Education (DepEd) and the provincial government led the opening ceremony at the D.O. Plaza Memorial Sports Complex, where student-athletes, coaches, officials and guests gathered for the week-long national games.
Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto “Anton” Lagdameo Jr. delivered the keynote message on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and formally signaled the start of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa.
With the theme “Unlocking the Future Through Sports,” the ceremony highlighted Agusan del Sur’s culture, heritage and identity, while underscoring the government’s push to strengthen youth development through sports.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the annual Palarong Pambansa remains a vital platform for giving young Filipino athletes wider opportunities to compete, build discipline and pursue excellence.
“Sa taun-taon na Palaro, binubuksan natin ang mas maraming pagkakataon para sa ating mga kabataan,” Angara said.
He said every delegation that marched into the stadium served as a reminder that sports can help young Filipinos dream bigger, achieve success and contribute to the nation.
This year’s Palaro brings together delegations from all 18 regions, along with representatives from the National Academy of Sports and Philippine Schools Overseas. DepEd said the expanded participation reflects its effort to provide more learners access to national-level athletic opportunities.
The grand opening featured the traditional Parade of Delegations, with athletes carrying their respective regional and institutional colors in a display of unity, pride and sportsmanship.
Precious Hope Sarnillo Maglinis, a 2025 Palarong Pambansa gold medalist and ASEAN School Games bronze medalist, led the Oath of Sportsmanship and Amateurism.
Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, who serves as Weightlifting Tournament Director, administered the Oath of Officiating.
Angara said the continued growth of the Palarong Pambansa reflects the Marcos administration’s commitment to grassroots sports and to building clearer pathways for young athletes to develop their talents.
“Kapag namuhunan tayo sa kabataan, sa kanilang pagsasanay, sa kanilang mga coach, sa kanilang mga pasilidad, at sa mga pagkakataong maipakita nila ang kanilang kakayahan, binubuksan natin ang kanilang kinabukasan,” Angara said.
He said this is the spirit DepEd seeks to strengthen in this year’s national games, as Agusan del Sur takes its place in Palarong Pambansa history as a first-time host.