The provincial government has declared preparations “all systems go” for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, with infrastructure and facilities nearing completion for the national sports meet that will bring together student-athletes from across the country.
Officials reported that overall preparations are about 80% complete. The Provincial Engineer’s Office noted that playing venues are 85% finished, while billeting quarters are 73% complete, with all infrastructure expected to be ready by the end of April.
Governor Santiago Cane Jr. said local governments are coordinating to accommodate contingents, as venues and accommodations are spread throughout the province.
“Actually that is one of our worries, but not until the Palarong Pambansa national board or the president declares otherwise, we have to continue the preparation,” Cane said, referring to potential challenges from a national energy emergency amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
“This crisis is not just in Agusan del Sur, not just in the country. This is a worldwide crisis on energy and fuel, etc. But we have already prepared for all this since it was announced that Agusan del Sur won its bid to host in 2024.”
Department of Education (DepEd) CARAGA Regional Director Maria Ines Asuncion confirmed that preparations will continue, with austerity measures in place.
“We also exercise austerity measures… Before, we [would] have very decorative billeting quarters [but that] can be gone. We will not practice anymore overdecorating our billeting quarters,” Asuncion said.
The province has allocated ₱1.7 billion for the event, sourced from the general fund, special education fund, and trust fund, with additional contributions from district representatives. Around 20,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from all 18 regions are expected to participate.
For security, 2,000 personnel from the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be deployed across billeting areas and playing venues.
The 2026 Palarong Pambansa is officially set to open on May 24.