NEWS RELEASE 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗴𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝘂 𝗔𝗴𝗦𝘂𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

May 3, 2026

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga Region, together with its Schools Division Offices, joined the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur in the conduct of Panawagtawag, the official opening ritual of Palaro Tu AgSur 2026, held on May 2, 2026, at the Capitol Amphitheater, Provincial Capitol.

Serving as the ceremonial opening of the province’s hosting of the 66th Palarong Pambansa, Panawagtawag is an Indigenous invocation led by the four major ethnolinguistic groups of Agusan del Sur: the Manobo, Higaonon, Talaandig, and Banwaon. The ritual called for guidance, protection, and blessings from Magbabaya for the peaceful and successful conduct of the national sporting event, setting the tone before the games begin.

The activity gathered key officials and stakeholders, including Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., Vice Governor Patricia Anne Plaza, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, DepEd Caraga Regional Director Maria Ines C. Asuncion, Schools Division Superintendents, Assistant Schools Division Superintendents, regional and division chiefs and staff, and NCIP Caraga Regional Director Ordonio Rocero Jr., alongside Indigenous leaders, educators, and partner institutions across the region.

Highlighting unity, cultural heritage, and community participation, Panawagtawag underscored Agusan del Sur’s deep respect for its Indigenous roots. It emphasized that beyond athletic competition, Palaro Tu AgSur 2026 is also a celebration of identity, tradition, and shared purpose.

The event also paid tribute to the late former Congressman and Governor Democrito O. Plaza, whose vision of hosting the Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur has come to fruition more than three decades later. His legacy lives on through the Provincial Government Center and the sports complex he initiated, now fully realized as the province hosts this year’s national games.

DepEd Caraga’s active participation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering holistic learner development, strengthening cultural appreciation, and sustaining strong partnerships with local government units and Indigenous communities in advancing education and youth engagement.

By: The Public Affairs Unit

DepEd Caraga

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For more information, contact (085) 221-1151, 0961-737-0873, or 0915-808-4734.

Website: www.caraga.deped.gov.ph

Email: caraga@deped.gov.ph; pau_caraga@deped.gov.ph

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