13k delegates gather for Palarong Pambansa 2026 in Agusan del Sur

More than 13,000 delegates have gathered in Agusan del Sur for the Palarong Pambansa 2026, with this year’s edition marking both a surge in participation and an expanded roster of sporting events.

The Department of Education (DepEd) said a total of 13,247 delegates are taking part in the national games, including 10,718 student-athletes from 18 regions, alongside representatives from the National Academy of Sports and Philippine Schools Overseas.

The figure is higher by 1,255 participants, or 10.47 percent, compared to last year—making this one of the largest turnouts in recent editions of the country’s premier school-based sports competition.

The opening ceremony is set for Sunday, May 24, at the D.O. Plaza Memorial Sports Complex in Prosperidad.

Photo: Department of Education

Beyond the numbers, this year’s Palaro introduces new regular sports, including weightlifting, football for secondary girls, and futsal for elementary girls, part of efforts to broaden opportunities for young athletes.

Karate, kickboxing, and soft tennis will be featured as demonstration sports, while muay thai and selected para sports events such as sitting volleyball and table tennis will be showcased as exhibition events.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said preparations for venues, billeting areas, and support systems have been completed ahead of the opening, as delegations from across the country arrive.

Participation data also showed near-balanced representation, with 6,860 male and 6,387 female delegates competing this year.

Officials said the continued growth of the Palaro reflects increasing engagement in school sports, which remains a key platform for developing young talent and promoting physical education nationwide.

Hosted by the provincial government of Agusan del Sur in partnership with DepEd-Caraga, the Schools Division Office of Agusan del Sur, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, this year’s Palaro carries the theme “Unlocking the Future Through Sports.”

Angara earlier said the updated program aims to give more young athletes a chance to compete, excel, and represent their communities on a national stage. —VBL, GMA News