At the recently concluded 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, the National Capital Region (NCR) solidified its status as the leading force in Filipino youth athletics. With a stunning total of 233 medals, including 91 golds, NCR has claimed its 19th overall championship.
NCR's success in this edition of the Palaro mirrors its previous performances, having surpassed the 90-gold mark for the third consecutive year. In 2024, the region secured 98 golds in Cebu City, followed by 117 golds in Ilocos Norte in 2025.
Patricia Mae Santor continued to shine as the most bemedalled athlete of the event, winning gold in all seven of her swimming events in the secondary girls’ division.
NCR Athletic Federation
The second place went to Calabarzon, which accumulated 55 golds, while Davao Region improved its standing to third with 33 golds. This year's event highlighted not only NCR's excellence but also the competitive spirit of other regions.
The success of NCR in the Palarong Pambansa reflects a long-standing tradition of excellence in sports at the grassroots level, fostering a new generation of athletes. Next year, the prestigious games will return to Metro Manila, specifically Quezon City, promising an exciting continuation of this competitive legacy.