BUTUAN CITY – While preparing the athletes and delegates for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga and the Agusan del Sur provincial government aralso e working to ensure tourism-related establishments in the province’s local government units can meet the demands of tourists and guests for the national sports event.
DOT Caraga Director Ivonnie Dumadag said during a recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City, that Bayugan City and provincial government officials recently visited DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco in Manila to coordinate and discuss preparations for hosting the 2026 Palarong Pambansa.
“We at DOT Caraga have identified necessary training and capability-building programs for our tourism enterprises and workers in the Palaro areas to ensure they can accommodate the expected guests, tourists and delegates from other regions,” she said.
DOT Caraga Assistant Regional Director Tiara Julia M. Santos said the local government units requested training on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence for tourism front-liners, child-safe tourism and tourist drivers.
“Aside from that, the LGUs requested training on homestays because admittedly we don’t have that many accommodation establishments in the province. We only have nine DOT-accredited establishments in Agusan del Sur, and limited accommodations in Bayugan City,” Santos said.
She added that training on Homestay Pilipinas is also included. “That way, DOT will tap houses ready to cater to tourists, in addition to classrooms designated for athletes,” she said.
DOT also anticipates a spillover, with some tourists and attendees for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa choosing to stay in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
“We are most willing to assist them with these training and other technical assistance,” Santos said. (JPG, PIA-Agusan del Sur)
