By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — Early arrivals for the Palarong Pambansa 2026 have noted Agusan del Sur’s preparations and hospitality as the province readies itself for the formal opening of the national games on Sunday, May 24.
Since regional delegations began arriving on May 13, athletes, coaches and visitors have observed the province’s billeting arrangements, emergency response system and coordination among local officials and agencies.
Department of Education Caraga Regional Director Maria Ines Asuncion, who has witnessed several editions of the Palarong Pambansa, said Agusan del Sur has shown strong preparation, planning and execution as host province.
She said she looked forward to a smooth and memorable hosting of the games for athletes, coaches, delegates and visitors in Caraga, particularly in Agusan del Sur.
The province’s emergency preparedness was tested when several athletes from Region IV-B Mimaropa figured in an accident while on their way to a playing venue in Patin-ay, Prosperidad.
Vice Governor Patricia Anne Plaza, in a Facebook post, said an Emergency Management Team responder from Agusan del Norte arrived within 10 minutes, followed by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Prosperidad and the SARAS team of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur.
Personnel from the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection also responded to the incident.
Plaza said she later visited the athletes at the emergency room of the Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital, which had been assigned to handle Palaro-related emergency cases.
“I was glad that proper endorsement was followed, proper medical attention was given and our medical team was ready and courteously attending to the patients,” Plaza said.
Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. and First District Rep. Alfel Bascug also visited the athletes, who sustained only slight injuries.
The response drew appreciation from members of the delegation.
Diane Jardeleza, in a Facebook post, thanked the provincial officials, medical personnel and responders who assisted the team.
“Sobrang bilis ng emergency response team. Well-coordinated ang lahat. Very hands-on ang mga officials just to make sure everything is OK, and everyone is OK,” she wrote.
Aside from emergency response, some delegates also took note of the billeting arrangements prepared for athletes.
Ron Ambro, another visitor, said the air-conditioned classrooms provided in the billeting areas left a strong impression on the delegates.
“There is something deeply touching about walking into a billeting area and seeing air-conditioned classrooms prepared for athletes,” Ambro wrote on Facebook.
He said the gesture reflected the effort of the host province to make athletes and delegates feel welcome after long hours of travel, training and competition.
For many visitors, the early days of the Palaro have offered a glimpse of how Agusan del Sur intends to handle the national event — through coordinated services, prepared facilities and visible local support.
The Palarong Pambansa 2026 will formally open on May 24, with delegations from across the country expected to participate in the annual national sports competition.
Cane, in his message, asked for divine guidance for the safe and successful hosting of the game.
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