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| Photo courtesy of DepEd |
By Alice Sicat
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The National Capital Region (NCR) once again asserted its dominance in Philippine school sports, capturing its 19th consecutive overall championship in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa while a revitalized and athlete-centered hosting by Agusan del Sur drew praise for setting a new benchmark for future editions of the country’s premier scholastic sporting event.
NCR topped the regular sports competition with 91 gold, 71 silver, and 71 bronze medals, maintaining its long-standing supremacy in the annual games. CALABARZON secured second place with 55 gold, 50 silver, and 60 bronze medals, while the Davao Region climbed to third place after collecting 34 gold, 32 silver, and 34 bronze medals.
Central Visayas placed fourth, followed by Western Visayas in fifth.
In the demonstration sports category, SOCCSKSARGEN emerged as the top-performing region, while Western Visayas dominated the Para Games, underscoring the growing competitiveness of athletes across various disciplines.
While the medal race once again showcased NCR’s depth and consistency, the 66th edition of the Palarong Pambansa will also be remembered for introducing reforms and innovations aimed at expanding opportunities for young Filipino athletes.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara lauded Agusan del Sur for delivering what he described as one of the most memorable editions of the national games, citing improvements in facilities, athlete welfare, inclusivity, and event management.
“Dumating ang pagkakataon ng Agusan del Sur at hindi nila ito sinayang, mula sa goosebumps na Opening Salvo, hanggang sa pagbibigay atensyon at alaga sa humigit-kumulang 16,000 delegado rito,” Angara said during the closing ceremonies at the Datu Lipus Makapandong DO Plaza Sports Complex.
According to the education chief, the host province transformed the experience for more than 16,000 delegates through air-conditioned billeting quarters, free transportation services, environmental sustainability initiatives, cultural and tourism showcases, and the use of one of the country’s most comprehensive sports complexes.
“This year showed that sports competitions can be organized at a higher standard while keeping athletes at the center of every decision. Agusan del Sur has raised the bar for future hosts,” he added.
Among the notable features of this year’s games was the inclusion of weightlifting as a regular sport, providing new pathways for aspiring athletes. Additional events such as football for secondary girls and futsal for elementary girls further expanded participation opportunities for young women.
The 2026 edition also strengthened inclusivity by broadening Para Games events and placing para-athletes at the forefront of the opening parade, a symbolic move highlighting equal recognition and opportunity in sports.
The competition likewise welcomed athletes from the National Training Pool and National Developmental Pool and saw the return of the Negros Island Region as a separate delegation.
Independent teams from the Philippine Schools Overseas and the National Academy of Sports also participated, widening the reach of the national competition.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his message during the Palarong Pambansa opening, assured full support for Philippine sports through strengthening of school sports clubs and expanding of opportunities in organized sports, emphasizing that sports not only develop physical strength but also instill discipline, teamwork, respect, perseverance, and self-confidence among the youth.
During the closing ceremonies, Agusan del Sur formally handed over the Palarong Pambansa banner to Mayor Joy Belmonte, signaling the start of preparations for the 2027 edition in Quezon City. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
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