UMVA has learned that the 66th Palarong Pambansa is set to kick off in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, with the National Capital Region (NCR) aiming to claim its 19th consecutive overall title in the country's premier scholastic multi-sport meet.
The NCR team, dubbed the Metro Stars, is the favorite to win, having dominated the competition last year with a staggering 237 medals, including 117 gold medals, which more than doubled the gold medal count of its closest rivals, Calabarzon and Western Visayas.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the majority of NCR's medal haul came from swimming and athletics, with standout performances from Titus Raphael Sia and Sophia Rose Garra, who each won seven gold medals, making them the most bemedalled athletes in the Games.
The competition is expected to be fierce, with over 1,500 medals up for grabs across more than 30 sports disciplines, including weightlifting, which will make its debut as a regular medal sport, and football and futsal for secondary and elementary girls, respectively.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the event will feature a range of exciting sports, including karate, kickboxing, and soft tennis as demo sports, while muay thai and other selected Para Games events will serve as exhibition events, showcasing the talents of the country's top student-athletes.
Over 10,000 student-athletes from 18 regions, as well as the National Academy of Sports and Philippine Schools Overseas, will be competing in the Games, making it the largest Palarong Pambansa to date, with a 10.47% increase in participation from last year.
The event is being hosted by Agusan del Sur for the first time, with the theme "Unlocking the Future Through Sports" and is supported by the Department of Education and the Philippine Sports Commission, which have come together to provide a unique experience for the athletes, including free transportation and complimentary tours of local attractions.
The provincial government has also launched a "Libreng Sakay" program, which will provide free transportation to athletes and officials around the 36 venues in Prosperidad, Bayugan City, and other nearby areas, making it easy for them to get around and enjoy the events.
In addition to the sporting events, the athletes will also have the opportunity to explore the local culture and natural attractions, including Tugonan Falls, Bega Falls, and the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, which will be offered as complimentary tours, complete with free transportation and entrance fees.
