Agusan del Sur offers free rides, tours for Palaro delegates

Delegates to the upcoming Palarong Pambansa will benefit from free transportation and guided tours in Agusan del Sur, as the host province rolls out initiatives aimed at improving mobility and overall experience during the national sporting event.

The Department of Education (DepEd) said the provincial government’s “Libreng Sakay” program will provide free rides to athletes, coaches, teachers, and spectators across multiple competition venues for the 66th Palarong Pambansa set from May 24 to 31.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara commended the initiative, saying it goes beyond logistics and highlights Filipino hospitality toward young athletes.

“Nakakatuwa na itong Palaro natin ay isa ring pagkakataon para maranasan ng ating mga kabataan ang malasakit, kultura, at ganda ng iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa,” Angara said, noting that the free rides and tours make the experience “more convenient, enjoyable, and meaningful” for delegates.

(It is nice that this Palaro of ours is an opportunity for our youth to experience the care, culture, and beauty of the different parts of the country.)

Under the program, e-buses and tricycles will be deployed across 36 playing venues located in Bayugan City and the municipalities of Bunawan, Esperanza, Talacogon, Prosperidad, and San Francisco.

Organizers said the transportation system is designed to make travel between venues easier, safer, and more efficient throughout the week-long event.

Beyond transport, delegates will also be given access to free tours of key destinations across Agusan del Sur and nearby Surigao del Sur, in a bid to showcase local culture and tourism.

Among the featured sites are the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Tugonan Falls, Bega Falls and Ecotourism Park, Puting Buhangin Cave, and the Toog Centennial Tree—as well as the Enchanted River and the Britania Group of Islands.

The tours will run in two batches—from May 17 to 22 and from May 27 to June 1, with transportation and entrance fees fully covered under the program.

DepEd said the initiative reflects how local governments can help enhance the Palarong Pambansa experience by combining sports with cultural exposure.

“These efforts remind our young athletes that every competition is also an opportunity to discover new places, cultures, and stories while building friendships and discipline through sports,” Angara added.

—JMB, GMA News