The 66th Palarong Pambansa opened on May 24 in Agusan del Sur, marking the first time the province has hosted the event. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced cash incentives for medalists.
The games, running until May 31, feature more than 10,700 student-athletes from the country’s 18 regions along with the National Academy of Sports and Philippine Schools Overseas. They compete in 24 regular sports, three demonstration sports, four para sports, and four exhibition sports at venues in Agusan del Sur.
During the opening ceremony at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Governor Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex in Prosperidad, Marcos said in a video message that the Philippine Sports Commission would provide cash prizes for the first time. Gold medalists receive P5,000, silver medalists P3,000, and bronze medalists P2,000.
On May 25, Eastern Visayas athlete Chrishia Mae Tajarros won the first gold medal of the competition by defending her title in the secondary girls’ 3,000-meter run. Singer Bayang Barrios, who is from Agusan del Sur, performed at the ceremony.
