Palarong Pambansa infra in Agusan Sur 80% complete —governor
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — With the Palarong Pambansa drawing near, final preparations are underway in Agusan del Sur, with the provincial government reporting significant progress in infrastructure development for the national sporting event.
Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. announced that the provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) has completed around 80 percent of the required facilities, including billeting quarters for delegates and playing venues. “The provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) is now around 80 percent in the completion of all the infrastructure requirements for the Palarong Pambansa. That includes the billeting quarters for our delegates and the playing venues.”
He assured that the timeline remains on track, with winning bids already awarded to service providers. The Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), in coordination with contractors and local government units (LGUs), is conducting regular monitoring to ensure completion ahead of schedule.
“Most of our contractors have pledged to have everything finished by the end of March. Although there are others whose completion dates stipulated on their respective contracts go beyond the month of March, we strive to get their commitment to do overtime so we can reach 100% accomplishment ahead of schedule to give ample time for possible last-minute refinements,” Cane added.
To guarantee quality, PGAS has also sought the expertise of sports enthusiasts to test out the playing venues. The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga is also working closely with PGAS to ensure compliance with regulations and specifications set by the Palarong Pambansa national board. Another executive committee meeting is scheduled for February 20, 2026, to be presided over by DepEd Undersecretary for Operations Malcolm Garma.
The 2026 edition of the Palarong Pambansa marks the first-ever hosting by Agusan del Sur and the Caraga region. Cane described the event as a “long overdue dream,” recalling that the province had been bidding since 1993 but lacked the necessary sports facilities at the time. After more than three decades, Agusan del Sur officially won the hosting bid on July 16, 2024, besting Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga City. The formal turnover took place during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte, where Governor Cane received the Palarong Pambansa flag from Governor Matthew Manotoc.
“This is a long overdue dream. We have been longing to host a national sporting event here in our province,” shared Cane, emphasizing the historic significance of the games for Agsurnons and Caraganons alike.
Agusan del Sur’s journey to hosting the Palarong Pambansa is a testament to the province’s bravery and perseverance in keeping its eye on the goal. The fruit of such determination is a legacy that PGAS and the people of Agusan del Sur will proudly carry for generations to come, marking their place in history as hosts of one of the country’s biggest sporting events. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)
