By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Preparations for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa are about 80 percent complete, with the national games scheduled for the third week of May, according to provincial officials.
Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. said the provincial government has allocated around ₱200 million in its 2026 annual budget to support the hosting of the country’s biggest grassroots sporting event.
In an online interview with the Inquirer, Cane said preparations began as early as last year, focusing on the improvement of game venues, the completion of billeting facilities, and the procurement of sports equipment.
“The preparations made by the province of Agusan del Sur started last year, especially on the game venues, the billeting quarters, and the sports equipment needed,” Cane said.
He added that billeting arrangements for athletes and officials have already been finalized in Bayugan City and the municipalities of San Francisco and Prosperidad, in coordination with the Department of Education.
As part of efforts to improve logistics during the games, the local government unit (LGU) of San Francisco is set to roll out a localized ride-hailing application designed to address the transportation needs of delegates and guests.
The application, which is currently undergoing simulation, will allow users to book local tricycles through a mobile platform similar to popular ride-hailing services such as Grab.
The LGU is also determining tariff rates based on distance traveled to ensure that fares remain fair, transparent, and consistent across the municipality.
San Francisco Mayor Grace Carmel Paredes-Bravo said the initiative would benefit both visitors and local drivers, particularly during the influx of thousands of participants expected for the national sporting event.
Cane said the province would also borrow unavailable sports equipment from the Philippine Sports Commission to ensure compliance with competition standards.
An executive committee meeting has been scheduled for Feb. 11, ahead of a national board meeting later this month to discuss updates on preparations.
The governor said organizers are expecting between 18,000 and 20,000 participants, including athletes, coaches, officials, and support staff, during the week-long games.
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