It is one of the biggest games in recent years.
On Sunday, May 24, the 66th Palarong Pambansa was officially opened in the province of Agusan del Sur by the Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur.
The occasion was historic as it was the first time the province hosted the national games for learner-athletes.
More than 16,000 delegates — accounting athletes, coaches, assistant coaches, and chaperones, as well as regional officials, technical delegates, guests, and support personnel who traveled to Agusan del Sur for the week of competition — were present at the opening ceremony that was held at the Datu Lipus Makapandong DO Plaza Sports Complex.
This edition brought together delegations from all 18 regions, including the National Academy of Sports (NAS) and Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO).
With the theme Unlocking the Future Through Sports, the opening ceremony highlighted the rich culture, heritage, and identity of Agusan del Sur.
The program began with the traditional Parade of Delegations, where student-athletes entered the stadium simultaneously while holding the flags and colors of their respective regions and institutions as a symbol of unity and sportsmanship.
Precious Hope Sarnillo Maglinis, gold medalist in the Palarong Pambansa 2025 and bronze medalist in the ASEAN School Games, led the Oath of Sportsmanship and Amateurism.
Meanwhile, Olympic gold medalist and Weightlifting Tournament Director Hidilyn Diaz administered the Oath of the Competition Officials.
During which, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. was represented by Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Antonio Lagdameo Jr.
“Alam ko sa pagsali sa palarong ito, bitbit ninyo ang pangalan ng inyong paaralan at rehiyon. Ngunit bukod pa riyan, dala ninyo rin ang pangarap at inspirasyon ng inyong kapwa batang atleta,” Marcos Jr. said in his prerecorded message to attendees.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara then noted that the opening ceremony reflected the administration’s broader goal of strengthening the role of sports in nation-building and youth development.
“Sa taun-taon na Palaro, binubuksan natin ang mas maraming pagkakataon para sa ating mga kabataan. Sa bawat delegasyong nagmartsa, ipinapaalala natin na ang palakasan ay maaaring maging daan para mangarap nang mas malaki, magtagumpay, at maglingkod sa bayan,” said Angara.
The education chief added that the continued expansion of the Palarong Pambansa reflects the government’s focus on strengthening grassroots sports and creating more avenues for students to discover and develop their talents.
“Kapag namuhunan tayo sa kabataan, sa kanilang pagsasanay, sa kanilang mga coach, sa kanilang mga pasilidad, at sa mga pagkakataong maipakita nila ang kanilang kakayahan, binubuksan natin ang kanilang kinabukasan. Ito ang diwang nais nating palakasin sa Palarong Pambansa ngayong taon,” furthered the DepEd Secretary.
He also accepted a PHP10 million donation from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), led by Chairperson Patrick Gregorio, as a reward for podium finishers in the Palarong Pambansa.