Agusan del Sur vows ‘safe, inclusive, memorable’ Palaro as it gears up to host 2026 games

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Palarong Pambansa heads to Mindanao in 2026 as Agusan del Sur serves as host for the first time

ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines – Palaro action is already getting ready to head to its new home. 

At the closing ceremony of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa on Saturday, May 31, Ilocos Norte turned over the hosting duties to Agusan del Sur, where the 2026 national games will be held. 

The games’ 66th edition will mark Agusan del Sur’s first time to serve as host province.

Ilocos Norte governor Matthew Manotoc passed the Palarong Pambansa flag over to Agusan del Sur governor Santiago Barriga Cane Jr. to officially signal the start of the Mindanao province’s time as host. 

“For a long time, the province of Agusan del Sur has aspired to host one of the most prestigious sporting events in the country, the Palarong Pambansa. With this in mind, we are strengthening our sports and youth development services along with the upgrading of our facilities, equipment, and tourist sites to promote sports tourism in the province,” Cane said during his speech at the closing ceremony.

Agusan del Sur reportedly bid to host Palarong Pambansa around 30 years ago. In 2026, it will finally realize its decades-long dream of welcoming thousands of student-athletes across the Philippine regions. 

The Mindanao province’s hosting of the 66th Palarong Pambansa will come just after it hosted the 2024 Caraga Regional Athletic Games. 

Cane said he hopes that Agusan del Sur’s hosting responsibilities will inspire young athletes from their province to achieve excellence in their respective sports.

“We accept this responsibility with pride and a deep sense of purpose. Our commitment is very clear: to deliver a safe, inclusive, and memorable Palarong Pambansa,” Cane said. 

The last Mindanao province that hosted the Palarong Pambansa was Davao City in 2019. 

The 65th Palaro edition in Ilocos Norte saw the National Capital Region snag its 18th straight championship title with an impressive medal haul of 117 golds, 70 silvers, and 50 bronzes. – Rappler.com