Governor Henry S. Oaminal Sr. led the presentation of Misamis Occidental as a candidate to host the coming 2026 Palarong Pambansa before the esteemed Palarong Pambansa Board at the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office.
In a statement, Governor Oaminal underscored the significance of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa as a testament to the “enduring values of unity, sportsmanship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the realm of sports.”
“Sports competitions of this scale not only promote athletic prowess, but also builds character through discipline, perseverance, and confidence. These are the traits we want to champion as Misamisnons,” added.
Oaminal himself put forward the myriad benefits that make Misamis Occidental an ideal venue for the event. According to the governor, the province is ready to accommodate athletes all over the country “with convenient accessibility, robust security measures, a diverse tapestry of tourism attractions, well-equipped sports facilities, ample billeting accommodations, and other crucial factors,” that enhance the overall experience for participants and spectators alike.
An economic boost for the province is anticipated if its bid succeeds, with the event poised to stimulate the local economy through increased tourism and heightened spending on accommodations, food, transportation, and souvenirs.
“The opportunity would definitely propel the momentum of our economic development further,” Oaminal remarked.
This ripple effect is expected to generate job opportunities and catalyze the emergence of various businesses to meet the heightened demand.
After a successful province-wide sports competition, Oaminal affirmed Misamis Occidental is well-prepared to host the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, with state-of-the-art amenities available to accommodate athletic delegations.
In February, the province successfully held the inaugural One Asenso Misamis Occidental Palaro 2024, a provincial athletic meet that convened an estimated 5,000 student-athletes, coaches, and officials from its three cities and 14 municipalities.
Oaminal, with the support of different local chief executives in the province, envisions making the 2026 Palarong Pambansa an extraordinary experience for all participants and attendees.
“We hope our presentation was enough to win over DepEd,” Oaminal added. “Our bid reflects Misamis Occidental’s willingness to foster unity, sportsmanship, and excellence while contributing to the growth and prosperity of the local community.”
