Host Agusan del Sur nears full readiness for 2026 Palarong Pambansa

With only 20 days left before the opening rites, Agusan del Sur is in the final stages of preparation to host the Palarong Pambansa for the first time. Despite facing several challenges, officials say that the required facilities and physical infrastructure are now nearing completion.

Governor Santiago Cane Jr. said the host province is now 97.25% readiness for the event, with the remaining 2.75% expected to be completed before the opening ceremony on May 24 at the Patin-Ay Sports Complex.

"In so far as the physical requirements are concerned, what I meant is the physical completion of our playing venues and the billeting quarters for our athletes, as of today, we are already 97.25 percent complete," Cane said in a press conference on Monday.

"So may pito pang venues which are still to be completed and these are almost complete also. Mga finishing touches na lang."

(So there are seven venues which are still to be completed and these are almost complete also. Just finishing touches left.)

Cane shared Agusan del Sur, as well as the Department of Education, encountered hurdles while organizing this year's Palarong Pambansa.

Cane noted that challenges such as changes in fuel price compelled the organizers to implement austerity measures in order to proceed with the hosting.

"One of the challenges is basic commodities at tsaka ‘yung mga supplies na biglang nag shot up ‘yung presyo. Another challenge na na-experience namin ay ‘yung construction ng mga billeting quarters, playing venues in the last quarter of 2025 up to the first quarter of 2026 kasi lagi tayong inuulan so laging nade-delay," Cane said.

(One of the challenges is the price of basic commodities and supplies suddenly shot up. Another challenge we experienced is with the construction of the billeting quarters, playing venues in the last quarter of 2025 up to the first quarter of 2026. It faced plenty of delays because it was often raining.

"And we were under threat na baka maubusan ang Pilipinas ng supply ng petrol. May mga haka-haka na baka i-postpone or i-cancel totally ang Palarong Pambansa because of the crisis situation, buti na lang na medyo gumanda na ang situation."

(And we were under threat of the Philippines possibly running out of supply of petrol. There was speculaton that the Palarong Pambansa could be postponed or cancelled because of the crisis situation. It's a good thing the situation improved somewhat.)

He also pointed to the high cost of airfare to Agusan del Sur but assured that the agency is providing assistance to the participating delegations.

"We also experienced problem with cost of plane tickets. That’s the feedback of the regional directors but I think the central office will think of assisting the delegation in terms of the tickets both sa boat and sa planes," Asuncion said.

Despite these challenges and it being Agusan del Sur’s first time as host, Cane assured that preparations are on track, with the province expected to start welcoming delegates as early as May 13.

"In so far I’m concerned, kung ang plano for the Palarong Pambansa 2026 ang pagbabasehan natin, nothing can stop it, except of course if there’s a force majeure," Cane said.

"All indications are good towards the holding. Lahat ng mga regions have already signified their intention to participate."

(In so far I'm concerned, if we base it on the plans for the Palarong Pambansa 2026, nothing can stop it, except of course if there's a force majeure... All indications are good towards the holding. All of the regions have already signified their intention to participate.)

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News