AgSur gov’t urges to include Paralympics in Palaro medal count

Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr. called the Palarong Pambansa National Board on May 23 to include the Paralympic medal events in the official Palarong Pambansa medal tally, saying para-athletes should get the same recognition as other competitors.

In a press conference at the Provincial Learning Center Government Center in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, the governor said that excluding para-athletes’ medals from the overall count would be unfair to the athletes.

“So kung hindi natin isasama sa bilang ang mga medalya na makukuha ng mga para-athletes, sa tingin ko parang hindi yata pantay-pantay ang pagtingin natin sa ating mga atleta, regular man o [para-athlete] man,” Cane said.

The governor also said that it is time to recognize para-athletes’ sacrifices and performances equally with those of regular athletes.

“So if we treat our [para-athletes] regardless of their physical condition, regardless of their physical defects, then I think it’s about time we really have to equate their sacrifices and performances as those of the normal ones,” he said.

Cane said he may request the board after the event to include para-athletes in the official medal tally.

Meanwhile, Education Undersecretary Malcolm Garma said the para-athlete delegation will also lead the parade during the opening ceremony as a way of highlighting their importance in the national sporting event.

“This is to tell and to convey our message that we have to put premium on our para-athletes,” Garma said. “Sila po ay nagbibigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa sa mga international events natin,” he added.

With the addition of sitting volleyball and table tennis as new para-game exhibition events, the Palarong Pambansa 2026 aims to further promote inclusivity and give greater recognition to student-athletes with disabilities.

The Palarong Pambansa has recognized athletics, bocce, goalball, and para swimming as Paralympic events since 2023.

With more than 13,000 delegates arriving in Agusan del Sur, the 66th edition of the week-long national sports tournament will kick off its opening ceremony on May 24.