Agusan gov offers P1M for athletes breaking records at Palaro 2026

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — Governor Santiago Cane Jr. has announced a P1 million reward for homegrown athletes who break national records during the Palarong Pambansa 2026 set from May 24 to 31 in Agusan del Sur.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, April 6, Cane noted that the incentive applies only to athletes who surpass national records—not just Palaro records—and that these must be duly certified by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

“We want to challenge our athletes to break national records and make history,” Cane said.

READ: All systems go for Palarong Pambansa 2026, organizers say

The announcement followed Christine Castro’s near-record performance in the 100-meter hurdles at the Caraga Regional Athletic Games (CRAG) in Surigao City earlier this month. Castro clocked 14.59 seconds, just shy of the 13.41-second national record. Cane, a former athlete, said she could have broken the record had she not looked back and slowed down near the finish line.

“She was almost there,” Cane said. “She would have broken the record if she had stayed focused until the end.”

Agusan del Sur athletes dominated CRAG 2026, emerging as overall champions with 133 gold, 102 silver, and 87 bronze medals, for a total of 322. Cane praised their performance, citing their discipline and determination.

Cane, who won a gold medal in weightlifting at the 1997 Palarong Pambansa and a silver medal in hammer throw at the 1978 National Track and Field Championships, underscored the role of sports in inspiring the youth.

Maria Ines Asuncion, Department of Education Caraga regional director, said preparations for the upcoming games are 80 percent complete, with facilities and venues expected to be ready by April 30, 2026.

She also addressed concerns about a possible cancellation due to the national energy emergency declared by President Marcos, saying, “The event will continue unless we hear otherwise from Malacañang.”

Cane echoed this assurance, adding, “There are no plans to postpone the event. We’re moving forward as scheduled.”

Since 2019, the provincial government has invested P1.8 billion in rehabilitating the Datu Lipus Makapandong DO Plaza Sports Complex, which will serve as a world-class venue for the games.

This year’s Palarong Pambansa is expected to draw 18,000 to 20,000 delegates from 18 regions, along with participants from the National Academy of Sports (NAS) and Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO).

READ: Agusan del Sur kicks off 100-day countdown to Palarong Pambansa

The 2026 edition marks the first time in 37 years that Agusan del Sur will host the event, following an earlier unsuccessful bid during the term of the late Governor Democrito O. Plaza./coa