Agusan del sur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday assured the government's full support for Philippine sports during the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, by strengthening school sports clubs and expanding opportunities in organized sports.
According to Philippines News Agency, the President, represented by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr., emphasized that sports not only develop physical strength but also instill discipline, teamwork, respect, perseverance, and self-confidence among the youth. The President highlighted the importance of celebrating the brilliance, talent, and hard work of Filipino youth, acknowledging them as the best student-athletes in their schools.
This year's Palaro, carrying the theme 'Unlocking the Future Through Sports,' gathered delegates from 18 regions, including representatives from the National Academy of Sports and the Philippine Sports Overseas. The event saw the participation of 10,718 student-athletes, who filled the newly refurbished stadium of the Lipus Makapandong Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex in Prosperidad town, the main venue for the eight-day multi-sports event from May 24 to 31.
The administration has intensified sports development programs by strengthening School Sports Clubs nationwide and expanding opportunities for organized sports participation in schools. President Marcos noted that the Department of Education has distributed sports equipment and supplies to more than 6,000 schools from 2022 to 2025 to aid in the training of young athletes.
President Marcos also highlighted the 'Grassroots to Gold' Program of the DepEd and the Philippine Sports Commission, which aims to guide promising athletes from school-based competitions to higher levels of international sports. He cited recent achievements of Filipino student-athletes in international tournaments, such as the ASEAN School Games in Brunei where the country won 43 medals, and praised Filipino youth athletes for their success in various sports, including taekwondo, table tennis, and swimming.
These achievements, the President stated, demonstrate that Filipino athletes can compete with the best in the world when given adequate support and opportunities to succeed. He concluded his message by encouraging all participants to play with honor, humility, and sportsmanship, reminding both winners and non-winners that every competition is an opportunity to learn, grow, and inspire the nation.
