DepEd tightens heat, safety protocols for 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the provincial government of Agusan del Sur are tightening health and safety protocols for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, with measures in place to protect more than 20,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from heat-related risks and other emergencies ahead of its May 24 opening.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said learner welfare remains the top priority as final preparations enter the homestretch for the country’s premier school-based sporting event.

“Nakahanda ang ating mga sistema, katuwang ang lokal na pamahalaan, para makapaglaro sila nang may kumpiyansa at sapat na suporta,” Angara said.

(Our systems are ready, together with the local government, so they can compete with confidence and with enough support.)

Among the measures in place are stricter hydration protocols, assured water supply in all venues, and game schedules moved to cooler late afternoon and evening hours to reduce heat-related health risks among student-athletes.

Angara said austerity measures will also be observed throughout the games, but without compromising athlete safety or the quality of event delivery.

'Nearly complete'

Provincial and education officials said preparations are now in the final stretch, with sports equipment deliveries nearly complete and undergoing venue-level dry runs ahead of the competition.

“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 in the Palarong Pambansa,” Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr. said during a press conference Monday.

Cane said all regions have already confirmed participation, expressing confidence that the games will proceed as planned.

The province said infrastructure preparations are now more than 97% complete following two years of planning and coordination across agencies.

Integrated safety measures have also been rolled out across competition venues and billeting quarters, including 24/7 police visibility, surveillance systems, and dedicated transportation for athletes and officials.

Medical teams, ambulances, and an activated emergency operations center have also been deployed to respond to contingencies during the games.

'Best experience'

Organizers added that disaster preparedness protocols have already been tested through simulation exercises, including fire, earthquake, and evacuation drills for participating delegations.

DepEd Caraga Regional Director Maria Ines Asuncion said preparations in Agusan del Sur could set a new standard for future editions of the 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 will open on May 24 in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. —VAL, GMA News