PALARONG PAMBANSA

Agusan del Sur to Host 2026 Palarong Pambansa: A Mindanao Province’s Decades-Long Dream Realized

June 1, 2025
Apple Majait

Agusan del Sur to Host 2026 Palarong Pambansa: A Mindanao Province’s Decades-Long Dream Realized

Agusan del Sur to Host 2026 Palarong Pambansa
Agusan del Sur to Host 2026 Palarong Pambansa

The 65th Palarong Pambansa concluded in Ilocos Norte on May 31st, not with a sense of finality, but with the vibrant promise of a new chapter. The closing ceremony marked a significant turning point, as Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc officially handed over the hosting duties for the 2026 national games to Agusan del Sur, a province in Mindanao poised to make its mark on Philippine sports history.

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For Agusan del Sur, the hosting of the 66th Palarong Pambansa represents the culmination of a decades-long aspiration. Governor Santiago Barriga Cane Jr. received the Palarong Pambansa flag, a symbolic gesture signifying the commencement of the province’s momentous undertaking. “For a long time, the province of Agusan del Sur has aspired to host one of the most prestigious sporting events in the country,” Cane stated during his address at the closing ceremony, highlighting the province’s dedication to this long-held ambition.

Agusan del Sur’s bid, reportedly initiated nearly 30 years ago, underscores the province’s unwavering commitment to sports development and its vision for a brighter future for its youth. The province has been diligently preparing for this significant event, investing in infrastructure upgrades, enhancing sports facilities, and bolstering its tourism sector to support the influx of thousands of student-athletes and spectators. This proactive approach reflects a strategic understanding of the economic and social benefits associated with hosting such a high-profile national event.

The 2026 Palarong Pambansa will not be Agusan del Sur’s first foray into hosting major sporting events. The province recently hosted the 2024 Caraga Regional Athletic Games, providing valuable experience and a testing ground for its organizational capabilities and infrastructure readiness. This prior experience will undoubtedly prove invaluable as the province prepares to welcome athletes from across the Philippine archipelago.

Governor Cane expressed his hope that Agusan del Sur’s role as host will serve as an inspiration to young athletes within the province, encouraging them to strive for excellence in their chosen sports. “We accept this responsibility with pride and a deep sense of purpose,” Cane emphasized, underscoring the province’s commitment to delivering a memorable and inclusive Palarong Pambansa.

The 66th Palarong Pambansa will mark a significant return of the national games to Mindanao, following Davao City’s hosting in 2019. The event promises to be a showcase of athletic talent, regional pride, and the unwavering spirit of Philippine sportsmanship. The legacy of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur will undoubtedly extend far beyond the competition itself, leaving an enduring impact on the province’s sporting landscape and fostering a renewed sense of national unity through the power of sports. The baton has been passed, and Agusan del Sur stands ready to write a new chapter in the rich history of the Palarong Pambansa.

NCR Reigns Supreme: Metro Stars Dominate 2025 Palarong Pambansa

The National Capital Region (NCR) cemented its legacy in Philippine school sports, securing its 18th consecutive overall championship at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa. The Metro Stars delivered a performance for the ages, showcasing unparalleled dominance across multiple disciplines and leaving an indelible mark on the competition held from [Start Date] to May 31st.

Their victory wasn’t merely a repeat; it was a statement. NCR amassed a staggering 117 gold medals, supplemented by 70 silver and 50 bronze, a gold medal haul surpassing their previous best in over a decade. This marks the first time NCR has broken the 100-gold barrier since 2018, and their highest gold medal count since their impressive 114 golds in 2013. The sheer dominance was undeniable, a testament to years of dedicated training and strategic development within the region’s athletic programs.

Five NCR student-athletes emerged as undisputed stars, each winning at least five gold medals. This extraordinary quintet accounted for a quarter of the region’s total gold medal count, highlighting the depth of talent within the NCR team. Swimmers Sophia Rose Garra and Titus Sia led the charge, each securing an astounding seven gold medals. Sprinter Jeralyn Rodriguez, gymnast Arman Hernandez Jr., and swimmer Patricia Mae Santor each contributed five gold medals to the team’s overwhelming victory.

The exceptional performances weren’t limited to this elite group. Gymnasts King Cjay Pernia and Zayanna Ysabel Enriquez, sprinter Pi Durden Wangkay, and swimmer Ryian Zach Danzel Belen each secured four gold medals, further solidifying NCR’s position at the top of the leaderboard. While NCR relinquished its title in secondary boys’ basketball, their victory in secondary girls’ volleyball, ending Western Visayas’ three-peat hopes, underscored their comprehensive dominance across various sports.

While NCR celebrated its triumph, other regions also showcased remarkable talent and fierce competition. Calabarzon secured second place overall for the second consecutive year, achieving 47 gold, 68 silver, and 66 bronze medals. Chess prodigy Mar Aviel Carredo led the charge for Southern Tagalog, securing six gold medals and earning the title of best-performing athlete for the region.

Western Visayas, despite finishing third with 44 gold, 54 silver, and 58 bronze medals, saw a slight decline in their gold medal count compared to last year’s performance in Cebu City. Davao Region made significant strides, finishing just outside the top three with 43 gold, 28 silver, and 36 bronze medals, a considerable improvement from their 32 golds in 2024. Dancesport sensation Bhenz Rudolf Owen Semilla, with six gold medals, shared the spotlight as the best-performing high school athlete with Carredo.

Northern Mindanao experienced a remarkable rise, climbing from ninth place last year to fifth place this year, showcasing 31 gold, 26 silver, and 46 bronze medals. Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Caraga, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Eastern Visayas rounded out the top ten.

Even the National Academy of Sports (NAS) demonstrated significant progress, jumping from near-last place in 2024 to 14th overall in 2025, with 6 gold, 2 silver, and 6 bronze medals. Swimmer Riannah Chantelle Coleman was a standout performer for NAS, breaking two Palaro records en route to her three gold medals.

The 2025 Palarong Pambansa concluded with NCR’s resounding victory, a testament to their unwavering dedication and exceptional athletic talent. As the games prepare to return to Mindanao next year, hosted by Agusan del Sur for the 66th edition, the anticipation for future competitions is palpable. The legacy of this year’s event will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes across the Philippines.