AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines — The province of Agusan del Sur officially welcomed 13,247 delegates from 18 regions during a grand ceremony at the Datu Lipus Makapandong-Governor Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex.
As host of the 66th edition of this multi-sport event, running from May 24 to 31, the province is ready to witness student-athletes competing for pride and glory for their respective regions.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. highlighted how the Palarong Pambansa serves as a vital platform for Filipino youth to pursue their dreams and bring honor to the nation.
“This is where you will learn discipline and respect for your fellow countrymen. Your coaches, peers, family, and friends are all here to back you up in your journey. Mabuhay! (Greetings!) to the athletes, Mabuhay, Bagong Pilipinas,” Marcos said on his recorded speech that was played on the huge monitor at the stadium. Notable personalities in attendance during the opening ceremony are senator Jinggoy Estrada, Agusan del Sur governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., former vice president Leni Robredo, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio, and Department of Education (DepEd) secretary Sonny Angara. First Filipina Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz leads the technical officials’ oath in the ceremony. Bayang Barrios, a multi-awarded musician, also performed, with the province also holding a colorful display of the AgSur culture. The 66th edition of the multi-sport event is themed “Unlocking the Future Through Sports.”
In last year’s edition of the Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Sur, NCR dominated the medal tally with 117 gold, 70 silver, and 50 bronze medals. Much of its success came from gymnastics, which delivered 36 gold medals, and swimming, which contributed 19 golds.
NCR’s campaign was bannered by swimmers Titus Rafael Sia and Sophia Rose Garra, who each swept all seven of their respective events to finish with seven gold medals apiece.
Recognizing NCR’s dominance as a sporting powerhouse, host Agusan del Sur aims to showcase its own strengths by banking on its top-performing disciplines: swimming and athletics.
In the 2026 Caraga Regional Athletic Games (CRAG), Agusan del Sur emerged as the top performer in both events, with its swimming team collecting 41 gold medals and its athletics squad securing 33 golds.
The first gold for the said event is expected to come from the 3,000-meter steeplechase girls event, with the gun firing off at 6 a.m. on Monday.
