Agusan Sur strengthens sports league in response to PBBM’s call for more active youth
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) —The provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS), through its Sports and Youth Development Services (SYDS), has created the Datu Lipus Makapandong Sports League to strengthen its programs on youth development through sports initiatives.
Launched this year, this program focuses on various grassroots sports initiatives, including swimming and water safety programs, track and field training camps, ‘sepak takraw’ tournaments, and chess clinics for the youth.
The Datu Lipus Makapandong Sports League offers platforms that aim to identify and nurture homegrown talents, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide positive opportunities for young people across the province.
Rill L. Lagulao, acting sports development officer IV of the SYDS–PGAS, shared with the participating athletes the mandates, goals, and ongoing initiatives of the office during the ‘Philippine Open Government Partnership (OGP) sa Rehiyon Trese,’ held on August 8, at the Provincial Learning Center (PLC), Government Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
“We are focused on developing athletes who have the potential to compete not only at the provincial level, but also on national and international stages,” Lagulao said, highlighting the office’s commitment to talent discovery and long-term athlete development.
He emphasized that the SYDS–PGAS is not only about organizing sports competitions, but also about instilling values such as discipline, resilience, and teamwork among young athletes. “We are committed to training athletes who demonstrate discipline and dedication. Even with limited resources, we provide structured sports and physical activity programs across the province.”
With the institutionalization of the Datu Lipus Makapandong Sports League, the province of Agusan del Sur has improved its standing in regional sports competitions, rising from 6th place in 2019 to 1st place in 2025. While the office originally targeted two athletes for international competition, PGAS successfully sent nine international participants in 2025, bringing home five gold medals.
Notable international participations include:
– Taekwondo: Two (2) athletes competed in the Kyorugi (sparring) under-63kg category at the Korea Protector N Protector (KPNP) Victoria Taekwondo Open in Australia;
– Pencak Silat: Six (6) athletes represented the province at the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Friendship Games 2024;
– Dancesports: Two (2) athletes competed at the World Dancesports Federation Vietnam and International Open Dancesports Competition 2025.
Lagulao noted that sports is one of the best avenues for youth engagement and community building, aligning with the goals of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in promoting inclusive and participatory governance.
Also, Agusan del Sur’s Datu Lipus Makapandong Sports League is a response to the President’s call for a national sports development program, during his inaugural State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25, 2022.
“We will give our full support to games and athletes across the country, such as the Palarong Pambansa and the Batang Pinoy Games. We will establish a new national program for sports development, starting right in our schools.” (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
