BUTUAN CITY – The 66th edition of the Palarong Pambansa begins on May 24 in Agusan del Sur, bringing with it new sports events and a stronger push for inclusivity in the country’s premier school athletics meet, according to Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
Angara emphasized that the annual games continue to adapt to the changing landscape of student athletics, aiming to give more young athletes a chance to compete and excel under a more balanced and inclusive setup.
This year introduces weightlifting, girls’ football at the secondary level, and futsal for elementary girls as official medal events. In addition, karate, kickboxing, and soft tennis will be staged as demonstration sports.
Inclusive and emerging disciplines will also take the spotlight, with Muay Thai and selected Paragames events like sitting volleyball and table tennis featured as exhibition events.
The competition will also see expanded participation, highlighted by the return of the Negros Island Region as a separate delegation. The Philippine Schools Overseas and National Academy of Sports squads will also compete as independent teams.
DepEd has introduced updated policies for the games, including a modified winner-take-all rule in team events, along with maintained qualifying standards for athletics, swimming, and archery. Athletes from national training and development pools are also cleared to participate.
Angara said preparations are complete, with Agusan del Sur set to welcome about 11,000 student-athletes from across the country.
Organized in partnership with multiple government agencies and sports bodies, the event will run until May 31.
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