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.

Represented by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr., the President emphasized that sports not only develop physical strength but also instill discipline, teamwork, respect, perseverance, and self-confidence among the youth.

“Hindi lang para sa paligsahan, kundi upang ipagdiwang ang galing, talento, at sipag ng mga kabataang Pilipino. Kayo ang mga pinakamagagaling na student-athletes sa inyong mga paaralan (Not just for the competition, but to celebrate the brilliance, talent, and hard work of Filipino youth. You are the best student-athletes in your schools),” the President said.

Carrying the theme “Unlocking the Future Through Sports,” this year’s Palaro gathered delegates from 18 regions, including representatives from the National Academy of Sports and the Philippine Sports Overseas.

The official total number of student-athletes participating this year is 10,718, who filled the sprawling, newly refurbished stadium of the Lipus Makapandong Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex in Prosperidad town, the main venue of the opening ceremony of the eight-day multi-sports event from May 24 to 31.

The President said the administration has intensified sports development programs by strengthening School Sports Clubs nationwide and expanding opportunities for organized sports participation in schools.

President Marcos added that the Department of Education has distributed sports equipment and supplies to more than 6,000 schools from 2022 to 2025 to help improve 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.

The President cited the recent achievements of Filipino student-athletes in international tournaments, including the ASEAN School Games in Brunei where the country won 43 medals.

The President also praised Filipino youth athletes for earning medals in taekwondo, excelling in world youth table tennis competitions, and dominating regional swimming tournaments in Asia.

He said these achievements prove that Filipino athletes can compete with the best in the world when given sufficient support and opportunities to succeed.

Marcos 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.

“Sa ating mga kabataang atleta, ito ang hiling ko sa inyo: Mag-enjoy kayo sa paligsahang ito. Ibigay ninyo ang buong puso sa paglalaro. Lumaban nang may dangal at igalang ang kapwa ninyong atleta (To our young athletes, this is my request to you: Enjoy this competition. Give your all in the game. Compete with honor and respect your fellow athletes),” the President said. (PNA)