Manila, May 5 -- The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur have entered the final stretch of preparations for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, implementing heightened safety and health protocols ahead of the national games' opening on May 24.

In a significant shift to protect athletes from heat-related risks, games will be scheduled during the cooler late afternoon and evening hours, according to a news release Tuesday.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the welfare of student-athletes remains the top priority in the coordination between the agency and the host province.

"Para sa DepEd, sa bawat Palaro, inuuna natin ang kaligtasan, kalusugan at kinabukasan ng ating mga mag-aaral. Nakahanda...