The Department of Education (DepEd) Palarong Pambansa National Secretariat and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur have clarified that the 2026 Palarong Pambansa will go ahead as scheduled despite the ongoing fuel crisis caused by Middle East tensions.

In a joint statement, the Palarong Pambansa National Secretariat emphasized that the recent online posts claiming the cancellation of the tournament for elementary and secondary student-athletes are "false."

“The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) have not issued any announcement cancelling the games. In fact, preparations are well underway, and PGAS is almost ready to host the event,” the agencies said in a joint statement.

“The only cancellation announced recently was limited to the in-person conduct of the Organizational Planning and First Technical Conference, which will instead be conducted virtually, not the Palarong Pambansa itself,” the statement clarified.

Rumors linking a possible cancellation to economic effects from the conflict in the Middle East were likewise dismissed.

“No official decision to cancel the event has been made by the organizers,” the Secretariat said.

The 2026 Palarong Pambansa is scheduled to run from May 24 to 31 in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The organizers urged the public to stop the spread of misinformation and to continue supporting the student-athletes and the spirit of sportsmanship that the Palarong Pambansa embodies.

“Let’s help stop the spread of misinformation. Always verify before sharing” the statement reads.