THE National Capital Region (NCR) is aiming to reassert its supremacy in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, which officially kicks off on Sunday in Agusan del Sur.
Fresh from a commanding performance in last year’s edition in Ilocos Sur, NCR topped the overall medal standings with 117 gold, 70 silver, and 50 bronze medals. The region’s dominance was fueled largely by its powerhouse teams in gymnastics, which delivered 36 golds, and swimming, which contributed 19.
Leading the charge were standout swimmers Titus Rafael Sia and Sophia Rose Garra, who each swept all seven of their respective events to haul in seven gold medals apiece.
Despite NCR’s pedigree, host province Agusan del Sur is poised to make a strong statement on home ground, banking on its strengths in swimming and athletics. The province showcased its potential in the 2026 Caraga Regional Athletic Games, where it ruled both sports—earning 41 golds in swimming and 33 in track and field.
This year’s Palaro is expected to gather around 11,000 delegates from 18 regions, competing across 35 sports disciplines.
The 66th edition, themed “Unlocking the Future Through Sports,” will open with a grand ceremony at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center, highlighted by a performance from OPM artist Rico Blanco.
Adding cultural flavor to the competition, Tribalympics—featuring indigenous and traditional games—will begin on May 25.
Delegates have been arriving since May 17, with many student-athletes praising the host province’s preparations, including air-conditioned classrooms and proper bedding provided by the local government.
Organizers have also rolled out free transportation services, with e-buses and tricycles available in Bayugan City and nearby municipalities such as Bunawan, Esperanza, Talacogon, Prosperidad, and San Francisco. Free tours will also be offered to all delegates.
In last year’s standings, Region IV-A (Calabarzon) placed second with a 47-68-66 tally, followed by Region VI (Western Visayas) with 44-54-58. Meanwhile, host Agusan del Sur, representing Caraga (Region XIII), finished eighth overall with 21 gold, 20 silver, and 43 bronze medals.
