By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — Amid circulating rumors and false claims of its cancellation, Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane, Jr. has welcomed the Department of Education’s (DepEd) confirmation that the Palarong Pambansa 2026 will proceed as scheduled despite the recent declaration of a State of Emergency by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
The governor’s statement followed a joint announcement by the DepEd Palarong Pambansa National Secretariat and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS), which officially refuted the rumors that the prestigious national sports event would be called off. The statement emphasized,
“The DepEd and PGAS have not issued any announcement cancelling the games. In fact, preparations are well underway, and PGAS is almost ready to host the event.”
In an online interview, Cane acknowledged the possibility of changes to the event depending on further assessments from Malacañang.
“Yes, until a decision to cancel or postpone the Palarong Pambansa due to the prevailing crisis by the proper body, I’m happy it’s proceeding,” Cane said. He also took aim at those spreading the rumors, bluntly labeling them “Chismoso (rumor mongers).”
The Palarong Pambansa Secretariat also confirmed that the rumors circulating on social media were unfounded and false. In their joint statement, both DepEd and PGAS clarified that no official cancellation had been made, and preparations for the May 2026 event in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur were progressing as planned.
The statement also addressed recent changes, noting that the Organizational Planning and First Technical Conference would now be conducted virtually, replacing the original in-person gathering.
The rumors began circulating shortly after the successful Palarong Pambansa 2026 Sponsors Forum, held on March 19, which saw local government officials and private sector partners come together to support the event.
During the forum, it was announced that ₱40.6 million had been raised in cash and in-kind contributions from various sponsors, including financial institutions and businesses.
The forum highlighted the province’s preparedness to host the event with transparency and collaboration. Though the details of individual sponsor contributions were not disclosed, the provincial government emphasized that these funds would help ensure the success of the games.
Despite ongoing speculations—some even linking the event to geopolitical tensions such as the Middle East conflict—no formal decision has been made to cancel the games. The 2026 Palarong Pambansa remains a vital event for student-athletes across the country to demonstrate their talents and sportsmanship on a national stage.
Authorities have urged the public to verify information before sharing it and called for an end to the spread of misinformation. “Let’s come together to support our young athletes and celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship that the Palarong Pambansa embodies,” the statement concluded.
With preparations still on track, the Palarong Pambansa 2026 will continue to serve as an important platform for Filipino youth to shine and represent their regions in national sports.
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