President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday urged young Filipino athletes to compete with discipline, humility and courage as the 2026 Palarong Pambansa formally opened in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
In a speech delivered by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center inside the Governor D.O. Plaza Sports Complex, Marcos said this year’s national games celebrate not only athletic excellence but also the talent, hard work and character of Filipino youth.
Eighteen regions are participating in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, along with representatives from the National Academy of Sports (NAS) and Philippine Sports Overseas.
Marcos said the national meet, carrying the theme “Unlocking the Future Through Sports,” reflects the government’s belief that sports play a crucial role in nation-building.
“Sa sports, hindi lamang lakas ng katawan ang hinuhubog, kundi ang disiplina, teamwork, respeto, at tibay ng loob,” Marcos said.
The President said the government continues to strengthen School Sports Clubs nationwide to encourage organized sports participation and physical activity among students.
He said more than 6,000 schools received sports supplies and equipment from the Department of Education (DepEd) from 2022 to 2025, with more schools expected to receive support this year.
Marcos also cited the “Grassroots to Gold” program, a partnership between DepEd and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) aimed at supporting young Filipino athletes from school-level sports to higher levels of competition.
The President said the results of these investments are already being seen in international competitions.
He noted that Filipino student-athletes brought home 43 medals from the ASEAN School Games in Brunei. Athletes from the NAS also competed in the Asian Youth Games, where the Philippines won a medal in taekwondo.
Marcos also cited the performance of young Filipino players in the 2024 World Table Tennis Youth Contender and the success of the NAS swimming team in the Asian Open Schools Invitational Youth Swimming Competitions in 2024 and 2025.
“Patunay ang mga ito na kapag sinusuportahan natin ang kabataang Pilipino, kaya nilang makipagsabayan sa mundo,” Marcos said.
The President thanked DepEd, the PSC, teachers, coaches, volunteers, parents and local organizers for helping mount this year’s Palarong Pambansa.
He also reminded the athletes to enjoy the competition, give their best and respect their fellow competitors.
Marcos told medal winners to carry their victories with humility and use their achievements as inspiration for future battles. To those who may fall short, he said defeat should not be seen as the end, but as a step toward growth and success.
“Ang bawat pagkatalo ay hindi wakas, kundi isang hakbang upang lalo pang tumatag, matuto, at magtagumpay,” Marcos said.
The President closed his message by praying for the success of the athletes and hailing the Filipino youth competing in the national games.