OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)–A technical inspection team from the Department of Education Palarong Pambansa Secretariat and Consultant conducted an inspection of the province’s sports facilities and capabilities in its bid to host the Palarong Pambansa in 2026.
The inspection team was in the province from November 14–17, 2023, and went around the facilities, including schools in the cities and municipalities that could house delegates from the country’s 18 regions.
Governor Henry S. Oaminal, represented by Vice Governor Rowena “Wheng” Gutierrez, shared that when they were crafting the vision for the province, the 5Ms vision, which states “Misamisnons Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon, ug Malipayon [Misamisnons Living Peacefully, Progressively, and Happily]” what they had in mind was holistic development and inclusive growth that cuts across all sectors, especially the sector of the future leaders, the youth.
“Grounded on our firm belief that Misamis Occidental has so much potential coupled with our current development momentum—that can be seen in our fast-changing economic, tourism, and infrastructure landscape—we humbly believe that if you allow us to host the Palarong Pambansa 2026, we will make it a historic benchmark for games from hereon as we aim to show the country that Palarong Pambansa in Misamis Occidental will be one of the best and most conducive,” Gutierrez emphasized.
The province has recorded a rich history of supporting sports at all levels; the latest was the Mindanao leg of the Batang-Pinoy National Games in 2018.
“We fully understand that hosting an event of this magnitude requires meeting standards, and we are ready for that. Hosting the 2026 Palarong Pambansa will be our second after 64 years, and we promise that it will be most impressive,” the vice governor said.
School Sports Division Palarong Pambansa Secretariat Marivic Tolitol expressed appreciation to Governor Henry Oaminal for inviting the Palarong Pambansa Secretariat as well as the Philippine Sports Commission to come over here in Misamis Occidental and do the inspection.
“I saw the passion and commitment of your leaders. Sana ganong klaseng passion at puso yung makita namin when you do the presentation so that we can move our Palaro Board Members to judge in your favor, and we are looking forward to a productive inspection until Friday,” she said.
Aggressive preparations, rehabilitation, and facility enhancements at par with PSC guidelines are already ongoing. Currently, the province has prepared 37 venues for various sports disciplines, and all playing venues are less than one hour’s travel from the designated billeting quarters.
There are about 17 billeting venues distributed among 17 schools for delegates and officials. The province has also crafted an emergency management plan to ensure the security and safety of all participants.
Athletes and coaches will receive commemorative items and special incentives in recognition of their involvement, and the participants will enjoy free shuttle services to explore the tourist destination of Misamis Occidental.
To highlight the large-scale preparations the province is doing, by 2025-2026, Gov. Oaminal aims to finish the Ozamiz Convention Center, a multi-billion-dollar project that can accommodate 20,000 people—a megastructure that aims to be completed in time for the Palarong Pambansa 2026.
This Convention Center will complement the current Bayfront Arena, the Misamis Occidental Provincial Athletic Complex (MOPAC), and the Asenso Misamis Occidental Cultural and Sports Center, all in Oroquieta City. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
A technical inspection team from the Department of Education Palarong Pambansa Secretariat and Consultant conducts an inspection of the province’s sports facilities and capabilities in its bid to host the Palarong Pambansa in 2026 on November 11-17, 2023. (PGMO)
A technical inspection team from the Department of Education Palarong Pambansa Secretariat and Consultant conducts an inspection of the province’s sports facilities and capabilities in its bid to host the Palarong Pambansa in 2026 on November 11-17, 2023. (PGMO)
