Manila: Agusan del Sur The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur have entered the final stretch of preparations for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, implementing heightened safety and health protocols ahead of the national games' opening on May 24. In a significant shift to protect athletes from heat-related risks, games will be scheduled during the cooler late afternoon and evening hours, according to a news release Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the welfare of student-athletes remains the top priority in the coordination between the agency and the host province. Angara stated, "Para sa DepEd, sa bawat Palaro, inuuna natin ang kaligtasan, kalusugan at kinabukasan ng ating mga mag-aaral. Nakahanda ang ating mga sistema, katuwang ang lokal na pamahalaan, para makapaglaro sila nang may kumpiyansa at sapat na suporta (Our priority is ensuring the safety, health, and future of our student athletes. With the help of the local government, systems are in place so the athletes can participate with confidence and enough support)."
Organizers will implement stricter hydration measures and ensure steady water supply across all sporting venues. Angara noted that while austerity measures will be observed, the quality and safety of the premier sporting event will not be compromised.
Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr. said infrastructure preparations are over 97 percent complete, the result of two years of intensive cross-agency planning. "The equipment for the Palarong Pambansa is nearly complete. New items arrive every day and we bring these to the playing venues so that we can have a dry run in every playing venue before the actual competition," he said.
Comprehensive safety measures have been activated across all venues and billeting quarters, including 24/7 police visibility, emergency readiness with dedicated transport, medical teams, ambulances, and an activated emergency operations center. Additionally, simulation exercises for disaster preparedness, including fire, earthquake, and evacuation drills, have already been tested with participating delegations.
DepEd Caraga Regional Director Maria Ines Asuncion remarked that the host province's efforts are setting a high standard for future national games. "We're looking forward to the upcoming Palarong Pambansa. We are committed to making this the best experience yet for our athletes, coaches, and delegations here in the Caraga Region," Asuncion said.
The 2026 Palarong Pambansa is expected to draw more than 20,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from the 18 regions of the Philippines.
