BY LYNDIE C. DEFACTO
ANTIQUE — The province of Antique will send a 105-member delegation to the 2026 Palarong Pambansa 2026, which will be held from May 24 to 31 in Agusan del Sur.
Dr. Ernesto Servillon Jr., Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education Schools Division of Antique, said during a press conference Tuesday, May 12, that the athletes are completing their final training and are scheduled to depart for Agusan del Sur on May 17.
The delegation includes 31 athletes who qualified to compete in gymnastics, badminton, billiards, dancesport, boxing, swimming, tennis, taekwondo, athletics, archery, and chess.
To support the province’s participation in the national sporting event, the Provincial Government of Antique allocated P8.581 million from the Special Education Fund.
The budget covers transportation allowances amounting to P3.15 million, training allowances of P1.314 million, travel allowances of P1.2 million, van rentals worth P720,000, participation and food allowances totaling P637,200, parade shoes and socks allowances of P630,000, parade uniform allowances of P370,000, sports supplies worth P290,000, playing uniform allowances of P155,000, and incentives amounting to P124,800.
Gov. Paolo Javier, chairperson of the Provincial School Board, said the provincial government is committed to ensuring that delegates will incur minimal out-of-pocket expenses while representing Antique in the national games.
Servillon said the support of the provincial government has been crucial in the athletes’ preparations.
“In terms of preparation, we have encountered no problems because the office of Governor Javier has been very supportive, and the processing of our requests at the Provincial Capitol has been smooth,” he said.
The Palarong Pambansa is the country’s premier annual multi-sport competition for student-athletes from across the Philippines./PN
