Agusan Sur transport sector gears up for Palarong Pambansa 2026 hosting
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — Drivers, cooperatives, operators, members of various transportation organizations, and other partner agencies attended the ‘Transport Stakeholders Forum’ in preparation for the province’s hosting of the Palarong Pambansa (National Sports Games) 2026.
During the Nov. 11 forum held at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Edwin ‘Cox’ G. Elorde of the provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) welcomed the participants and reminded them of their vital role during the conduct of the national sports event.
“We are here to organize and plan the role of the transportation sector as the host province during the Palarong Pambansa 2026. Through your support, we will surely achieve our dream of a successful event in our province,” Elorde.
Provincial Tourism Officer (PTO) Dannah Rufalyn M. Buquir presented an overview of the socioeconomic and tourism impacts of the Palarong Pambansa in the province. “The Palarong Pambansa will boost our local economy, especially in accommodation, food, retail, transport, and tourism services. It will also generate jobs and livelihood opportunities, improve infrastructure and utilities such as roads, facilities, public spaces, electricity, and water, strengthen provincial visibility as a capable host, and bring long-term tourism benefits by showcasing Agusan del Sur’s attractions and hospitality.”
Transportation Committee Chairperson Jave Nhoriel Bordaje, certified public accountant (CPA) of PGAS, discussed the transport operations plan, stakeholder roles, and collaboration opportunities.
“We are expecting twenty competing delegations, each consisting of 500 to 900 participants, bringing the total to approximately 15,000 to 18,000 delegates. Around 2,000 technical officials, Department of Education (DepEd) personnel, and visitors are also anticipated,” said Bordaje. “The event will span one week of games, with 13 days allocated for arrival and pre-Palaro activities and five days for departure. A total of 25 sports will be played across 37 identified venues, while 32 schools and facilities have been designated as billeting quarters—requiring coordinated transport services for all participants and guests.
Bordaje also identified the entry points for all delegations, including Lipata Port in Surigao City, Nasipit Port in Agusan del Norte, Surigao Airport, Bancasi Airport, Trento National Highway (NH), Carmen NH, and Davao International Airport. He assured that participants traveling via national highways will be escorted by security teams to their respective billeting quarters.
“Those who carry our guests from the moment they arrive are not just drivers or transport coordinators. They are the first handshake, the first smile, the first story of Caraga and AgSurnon hospitality. Through their courtesy, patience, and care, our visitors will learn who we are — a people of warmth, respect, and genuine welcome,” Bordaje emphasized.
Transportation Traffic Supervisor (TTS) and Acting Transportation Development Officer (TDO) Emmanuel Ian U. Primero of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Caraga provided a refresher on the regulatory and safety guidelines for transportation drivers and operators.
“We should know how to secure special permits, such as requests for franchise verification and special trips for special occasions, including the required documentation,” said Primero.
Primero also reiterated the importance of understanding colorum violations, which include operating private vehicles as Public Utility Vans (PUVs) without a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), out-of-line operations, operating beyond authorized routes, suspended or canceled CPCs, and expired CPCs.
Other violations he discussed included overloading, improper uniforms, and incidents of road rage and anger management. “Drivers, you are responsible not only for your own life but also for the lives of your passengers.”
“As members of the transportation sector, this is our opportunity to showcase the quality and reliability of our transport services in Caraga, particularly here in Agusan del Sur, during the Palarong Pambansa 2026,” said Nican Gritchen C. Burgos, frequency coordinator of Bachelor Express, Inc.
He emphasized that the event will also serve as a platform to promote their buses and demonstrate that they are capable, efficient, and safe under the care of responsible operators and drivers. Burgos expressed optimism that the Palarong Pambansa 2026 will be a successful and unifying event for the entire Caraga Region, highlighting the importance of cooperation not only for the athletes but also among all stakeholders to achieve its goals.
The forum concluded with break-out discussions where participants shared their sentiments and concerns by category, followed by an open forum addressing issues raised by different organizations. The activity ended with a partnership pledging to strengthen cooperation among all transport stakeholders in support of the province’s successful hosting of the Palarong Pambansa 2026. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)