The 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur will see the gathering of some 13,247 delegates as it officially uncurtains the tournament later today, May 24, at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Gov. D.O. Plaza Sports Complex in the capital city Prosperidad. 

The Department of Education (DepEd) declared that its all systems go for the Agusan del Sur-hosted 66th Palaro, scheduled to happen from May 24 to May 31, across six municipalities in AgSur.

In an official press release by the Department of Education’s (DepEd) on Saturday, May 23, the agency said more than 13,000 delegation members will take part in the national games. 

Of the estimated total, 10,718 are student-athletes; 1,600 are coaches; 440 are assistant coaches; and 489 are chaperons.

The 20 delegation-strong tournament features 18 regional contingent– one more than last year with the Negros Island Region (NIR) making its return since competing as a separate contingent only in 2016 and 2017– and two organizational teams: the state-run National Academy of Sports, and the DepEd-accredited Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO). 

NIR– composed of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Bacolod City– will be debuting the team’s official moniker ‘Visayan Vipers.’

According to the press release, there are 1,255 more delegates this year compared to the 2025 Palaro, which makes the total tournament size 10.47% higher than the previous edition held in Ilocos Norte, and one of the largest in recent years.

There’s also a more balanced representation in student-athletes– 6,860 are male, while 6,387 are female. 

There are regular sporting events making their debut at the nationals: weightlifting, secondary girls’ football, and elementary girls’ futsal. 

The tourney also introduces three demonstration sports: karate-do, kickboxing, and soft tennis; and muay thai and paragames (sitting volleyball and table tennis) as exhibition sports. 

“All systems go na para sa Palarong Pambansa 2026. Handa ang ating mga atleta, handa ang ating mga delegasyon, at handa ang Agusan del Sur. Sa patuloy na suporta ni Pangulong Marcos sa pagpapaunlad ng kabataan, binubuksan natin ang mas maraming pagkakataon para matuklasan at maabot ng bawat batang Pilipino ang kanilang buong potensyal sa pamamagitan ng sports,” said DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara. 

Opening ceremonies are slated later today at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Gov. D.O. Plaza Sports Complex.

Demonstration and exhibition games will be played on May 25; while the regular sporting events, including those that have played advance games such as football and basketball, are scheduled to be conducted from May 26 to 30. 

The Palaro tu AgSur will conclude all festivities with its closing ceremonies on May 31.