It marks the first time such financial rewards will be given in the country’s premier national sports competition for students.
At the opening ceremony on Sunday, May 24, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that medalists in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa will receive incentives from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
In a video message, he said the incentive program recognizes the hard work, dedication, and excellence of young Filipino athletes competing in both regular sports and para games.
“Masaya akong ibalita sa inyo na, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, maglalaan ang Philippine Sports Commission ng mga incentive para sa mga medalista sa regular sports at sa para games bilang pagkilala sa inyong husay,” President Marcos said.
The President them reminded the more than 10,000 competing athletes that they are not only carrying the names of their schools and regions, but also the dreams and inspiration of fellow young Filipinos.
“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 said as he assured the athletes of the government’s continued commitment to support grassroots sports and youth development programs across the country.
“Kaya para sa inyo at sa ibang batang atleta, patuloy ang pamahalaan sa pagsuporta sa inyong pagsasanay sa larangan ng palakasan,” President Marcos added.
FULL SUPPORT FROM GOVERNMENT
The President also said the support will come through strengthening school sports clubs and expanding opportunities in organized sports.
Represented by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., the President emphasized that sports not only develop physical strength but also instill discipline, teamwork, respect, perseverance, and self-confidence among the youth.
“Hindi lang para sa paligsahan, kundi upang ipagdiwang ang galing, talento, at sipag ng mga kabataang Pilipino. Kayo ang mga pinakamagagaling na student-athletes sa inyong mga paaralan,” the President said.
The President said the administration has intensified sports development programs by strengthening School Sports Clubs nationwide and expanding opportunities for organized sports participation in schools.
Marcos also added that the Department of Education has distributed sports equipment and supplies to more than 6,000 schools from 2022 to 2025 to help improve the training of young athletes.
The chief executive also highlighted the “Grassroots to Gold” Program of the DepEd and the Philippine Sports Commission, which aims to guide promising athletes from school-based competitions to higher levels of international sports.
The President then mentioned the recent achievements of Filipino student-athletes in international tournaments, including the ASEAN School Games in Brunei where the country won 43 medals.
The Filipino youth athletes were alsl for earning medals in taekwondo, excelling in world youth table tennis competitions, and dominating regional swimming tournaments in Asia.
According to the President, these achievements prove that Filipino athletes can compete with the best in the world when given sufficient support and opportunities to succeed.
“Alam ko na gagawin ninyo ang lahat ng inyong makakaya, ngunit huwag ninyong kalimutang mag-enjoy na rin,” Marcos also noted.
He the emphasized that beyond medals and victories, the Palarong Pambansa teaches values that athletes can carry throughout their lives, including discipline, perseverance, respect, and compassion for others.
“Dito ninyo matutunan ang disiplina, tiyaga, respeto at malasakit sa kapwa,” President Marcos said.
The Chief Executive also encouraged participants to enjoy the competition while striving to give their best in every event and assured the student-athletes that they are not alone in their journey, stressing that the government stands behind them together with their families, teachers, and coaches.
“Lagi ninyong isipin na kami ay susuporta sa inyo kasama ng inyong mga magulang, mahal sa buhay, guro, at mga coach,” President Marcos said.
The opening ceremony formally launched the week-long 2026 Palarong Pambansa hosted for the first time by the Province of Agusan del Sur
Carrying the theme “Unlocking the Future Through Sports,” this year’s Palaro gathered 16,000 delegates from 18 regions, including representatives from the National Academy of Sports and the Philippine Sports Overseas.
The official total number of student-athletes participating this year, however, is 10,718, who will compete in different sports throughout the eight-day multi-sports event from May 24-31.
President Marcos concluded his message by encouraging all participants to play with honor, humility, and sportsmanship, reminding both winners and non-winners that every competition is an opportunity to learn, grow, and inspire the nation.
“Sa ating mga kabataang atleta, ito ang hiling ko sa inyo: Mag-enjoy kayo sa paligsahang ito. Ibigay ninyo ang buong puso sa paglalaro. Lumaban nang may dangal at igalang ang kapwa ninyong atleta,” the President said.