ILOILO — The Iloilo provincial government has released P18 million in financial assistance to bolster Western Visayas’ campaign in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, as the region aims to surpass its third-place overall finish last year.
The funding, sourced from the province’s 2026 Special Education Fund (SEF), was turned over Thursday, May 7, by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and Provincial Education Management Office head Freda Fajardo to the cashier of the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Iloilo Province.
The assistance, approved by the Provincial School Board, will cover expenses for athletes, coaches, officials, chaperones, and members of the technical working group representing Iloilo Province and Western Visayas in the national games scheduled from May 24 to 31 in Agusan del Sur.
According to Hernani Escullar Jr., Department of Education (DepEd) Region 6 information officer, Western Visayas is targeting a stronger finish this year after placing third overall during the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte.
Escullar said Region 6 will field 630 athletes in various sporting events and an additional 20 participants for demonstration sports.
Last year, Western Visayas collected 44 gold medals, 54 silver medals, and 58 bronze medals in the national meet.
Delegates are scheduled to depart on May 15 via sea travel through Cebu City before arriving in Agusan del Sur on May 17 or 18./PN
