With just weeks left before the country’s biggest school sports meet opens, organizers in Agusan del Sur are stepping up safety, health, and security preparations to ensure the smooth and secure staging of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, which is expected to gather more than 20,000 student-athletes nationwide.
The Department of Education (DepEd) and the provincial government have entered the final phase of preparations for the May 24 opening ceremony in the municipality of Prosperidad, focusing on measures designed to protect participants from extreme weather conditions, manage large crowds, and ensure rapid emergency response systems are in place.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency is working closely with local officials to guarantee that the games run smoothly without compromising student safety, even as government cost-cutting measures are being observed.
He stressed that the welfare of learners remains the top priority, especially as the event draws thousands of young athletes, coaches, and officials from across the country.
A key safety measure being implemented is a heat index protocol that adjusts competition schedules to late afternoon and evening hours. Organizers have also imposed strict hydration requirements to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses amid expected high temperatures.
On the infrastructure side, preparations are now over 97 percent complete following two years of inter-agency coordination. Provincial officials said venues, facilities, and equipment are being finalized ahead of full-scale testing.
Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr. said all participating regions have confirmed their attendance, with logistical arrangements nearly finished. He added that equipment continues to arrive daily and is being deployed to competition sites for simulation exercises.
These dry runs include emergency drills for fire incidents, earthquakes, and mass evacuation scenarios to ensure readiness across all venues.
Security measures for the event will include round-the-clock police deployment, surveillance systems in billeting areas, and dedicated transport arrangements for delegations and officials. Medical teams and an emergency operations center will also be on standby throughout the games.
DepEd Caraga Regional Director Maria Ines Asuncion said preparations reflect a strong commitment to both safety and a positive experience for participants, expressing confidence that the region is ready to host the national sporting event.
As the countdown continues, officials say the focus remains on delivering a secure, well-coordinated, and memorable edition of the Palarong Pambansa for thousands of young athletes from across the Philippines.